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WASBA would like to sincerely thank Chief Handicapper Warren Wishart and former WASBA Secretary Megan Schrader for their exemplary work for the racing industry in WA. We wish you the best for the future and hope to see you at the track, getting something back from the industry that you have put so much into.

The Busseton Sweetheart Series has just the one round to go, on 18 January 2019, with two races per night if sufficient nominations. Both WASBA and Busselton are providing incentives for the series, with WASBA providing $500 to the breeder of the highest pointscoring Westbred mare in the series as well as $500 to the owner and $500 in broodmare service fee credits. Get behind Busselton for a great racing season which will include a $15,000 Busselton Cup on the final night 25 January. Both WASBA and Busselton are providing incentive

The 2019 APG WA Sale is on Sunday 10 March at BRIGADOON. To view the online sales lists click here. If you want to download the full catalogue for the Perth sale, click here.

Check out the news below. Please note, all photos used on this website are authorised by the owners for use on this website.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

(4 January) The first metro meeting of the year and what a good night of racing. The $50,000 Trotters Cup went to Sun Of Anarchy after the favourite galloped and a brilliant drive by Nathan Turvey just about stole the show with the very brave front runner Tenno Sho. We had brother Golden State (Big Jim) and sister Maczaffair (Mach Three) both winning on the night for Albert Walmsley, and consecutive wins in successive weeks for the promising Sportswriter brother to local stallion Follow The Stars (Art Major) whose first crop of two year olds are about to start their careers. Good efforts too from 4 WA bred horses, with two from the same family but bred quite differently.

After a short let up over December, 5yo gelding Chiaroscuro (Art Major out of Kelty Star by Caprock) started favourite from the prized barrier 1. Getting away nicely he went straight to the front, with Michael Joseph, from inside the back line, on his back and second favourite Kimani settling in the breeze. The lead time and first half were moderate and a three wide line formed with 1000 to go. However into the back straight the last time Chiaroscuro and Kimani were running very competitively and the pace picked up to a 27.5 third quarter, leaving the three wide line struggling. At the 400m Chiaroscuro started to pull away from Kimani, and Argyle Red from 4 along the fence got a good run through to be behind Michael Joseph after Soho Chelsea went wide to make a run. Coming around the home turn there were moves a plenty, but none really threatening other than the rails’ runners. At the 100m Chiaroscuro had the race under control, with Michael Joseph getting out to chase, Argyle Red along the fence and Soho Chelsea out wider. That’s how they finished, with Chiaroscuro going on to win the $18,000 Retravision Pace by 4.9m from Michael Joseph with Argyle Red third, mile rate 1:57.5 and last qtr 28.4. Bred by Kody Charles and sold at the 2015 Yearling Sale for $18,500, Chiaroscuro has now won 11 times and has 9 places in his 34 starts. Proving that patience is a virtue, he has won over $60,000 at 4 and 5 out of his lifetime stakes of $76,817.

Chiaroscuro is out of race winner Kelty Star (Caprock), who has produced 6 winners including I Am Special (Live Or Die) 1:57.4 $74,744, winner of the 2009 WASBA Breeders Stakes and other metropolitan races and dam of Dior Mia More (Tintin In America) 1:53.2 10 wins $77,806. Kelty Star is a full sister to Jillbo 1:53.8 27 wins $272,951, the dam of 5 winners including Jackaroo Bromac (McArdle) 1:52.4 27 wins $238,717 and Juliette Bromac (Art Major) 1:54.5 9 wins $99,546 and granddam of Aldebaran Macha (Mach Three) 1:54.7 17 wins $134,722.

With 6 consecutive wins in June to August and returning in December after 10 weeks absence, Roman Aviator (Mr Aviator out of Lombo Lucida by Northern Lights) started with a first up win followed by two places from 4 starts in December. He rightfully stepped out as favourite from barrier 2 and getting away beautifully, went straight to the lead from the smaller Anime who started as second favourite from barrier 1 . Stunin Eyes Only went out fast from 9 to get to the breeze before first Luis Alberto and then El Comancho went around to take that position before a lap had been completed. A moderate lead time and first quarter suited the front runners. Into the back straight the last time and the three wide line led by One Off Delight was moving forward in a 28.6 quarter. At the 400m One Off Delight was running fourth but his run had finished, El Comancho was hanging on to second, Anime was looking for room and the two and three wide line were stalled. On the turn out of the back straight Roman Aviator was cruising, none of the horses who had run wide were making an impression and the race was between the first three rails runners. Still no threat to Roman Aviator and although he tired a little, he went on to win the $18,000 Glenroy Chaff 2130m Pace by 1.7m from Anime, with Absolution who had been third on the rails coming through for third. The mile rate was 1:58.8 with last quarter solid at 28.1. Bred and owned by Peter George, Roman Aviator commenced racing in January 2018 as a 3yo, and in the space of 12 months he has earnings of $59,062 from 9 wins and 8 places from 29 starts.

Roman Aviator is out of the lightly raced winner Lombo Lucida (Northern Lights) 2:00.9 who has produced 6 winners in total including Half A Mill (Million To One) 1:57.2 11 wins $85,370. Interestingly, another of the winners from Lombo Lucida in Awesome Cassi (Armbro Operative) 2:01.5 9 wins $31,785, the dam of Illusionation (Rich And Spoilt) 1:57.8 6 wins $39,073 who was held up for a run in this race after being positioned fourth along the rails. Lombo Lucida is out of the prolific broodmare Liberty Lombo (Hilarion) 2:02.7 $18,435 who produced 11 winners from 13 live foals including Showstopper (Northern Luck) 1:55.5 12 wins $90,920 and Baylan Jett (Courage Under Fire) 1:54.2 10 wins $74,605. Other winners from the mare include Ezee Lombo (Whats Next) 1:58.3 9 wins $53,655 the dam of Ezee Duzit Lombo (Million To One) 1:57.5 12 wins $70,816; Dynamite Freedom (Million To One) 1:56.9 7 wins $47,190 the dam of , Lombo Party Doll (Troublemaker) 2:00.3 6 wins $44,058 the dam of Close Shave Lombo (Mach Three) 1:56.8 16 wins $97,349 and Libertybelle Lombo (Jet Laag) 2:04.1 $6,475 the dam of Looks Like Heaven (Lombo Mandingo) 1:54.8 13 wins $98,765. Liberty Lombo is a half sister to Lombo Quest (Chandon) 1:58.5 6 wins $116,085 who won the Group 2 $50,000 2yo Filles WA Sales Classic and finished second in both the 2yo and 3yo legs of the APG 2yo and 3yo Fillies Finals. This is an extensive family of winners that also includes Misty Maiden, Preux Chevalier, Say It Now, Hollys Miss Molly, Lombo Skyrider, Suave Stuey Lombo and another of tonights winners in Handsandwheels, to name just a few. All belong to the family of NZ mare Mary Wootton, with many arms of the family making there way to WA.

Another one with the benefit of a short let up over the December period, 5yo entire Handsandwheels (Mach Three out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art) was resuming as favourite from barrier 2 in a field that contained 4 last start winners. Zooming out of the barrier, Handsandwheels had the lead from last start winner Back to The Beach sitting behind him and the in-form Im Soxy breezing. Most of the form horses were handy, with last start winner Bettor Aim one out two back and another last start winner As Happy As Larry on the rails behind Back To The Beach. With Im Soxy keeping the pressure on the race was run pretty solidly. Bettor Aim was leading up the three wide line in the back straight but with a 27.5 third quarter it was hard work. At the 400 Bettor Aim was 4th but three wide, Back To The Beach was clear to make a move and Im Soxy just struggling a little as Handsandwheels kept the pace on. A scrimmage on the bend into the home straight with As Happy As Larry coming off the rails put paid to any prospects behind the leading group, with Handandwheels leading into the straight. Although Bettor Aim made a valiant effort to catch him, Handsandwheels went on to win the $20,000 Life Is On With Clipsal Pace by 3.4m from Bettor Aim with Back To The Beach in third. The mile rate was a lifetime best of 1:55 flat, last quarter 28.5 to make the 17th win and $351,537, which includes 18 places from only 50 starts. This is another successful season from the Mike Howie bred Handsandwheels with over $40,000 earned so far, following a 2017/18 season with $78,000 in earnings.

2016/17 WASBA Broodmare of the Year Benjor Maddy Lombo (Perfect Art) 2:01.8 $21,511 is the dam of Handsandwheels as well as Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven) 1:57.4 11 wins $124,004, WASBA King Lethbridge winner Maddy White (Lombo Mandingo) 1:56.9 11 wins $110,824 and 2 other winners. Benjor Maddy Lombo is out of Magic Maddy Lombo (Classic Garry) 2:03.8 $7,664 who also produced Miss Trickin Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.3 $230,312, Suave Stuey Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1:49.6 33 wins $587,032, Sweet Maddy Lombo (Panorama) 1:59.5 11 wins $106,588 and Soho Madeleine (Bettors Delight) 1:56.8 9 wins $96,803. Magic Maddy Lombo's dam is Australian 3yo Filly of the Year and Australian Broodmare of the Year Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper) 1:59.4 $245,449, with Misty Maiden the dam of Australian 2yo and Horse of the Year Lombo Pocket Watch, the winner of 17 successive races as a 2yo and the only 2yo to be named Australian Horse of the Year.This family also included Lombo Skyrider (Panorama) 1:50 63 wins $841,611, Lady De La Renta (Well Said) 1:55.1 $122,812 and Wesley (Sportswriter) 1:56.5 13 wins and $130,844.

After a pretty solid effort in much harder company the previous week (in fact, that race was won by one of tonights winners in Golden State), 7yo gelding Lot Twenty One (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den) started favourite with the advantage of barrier 1. Out of the barrier he worked to keep the lead from Dominate The Dojo, who had scooted out from 8 in an attempt to “get there first” in the 1730m fly. Sea Me Smile quickly settled one out one back and Blissntheblack from the inside back row draw was sitting right behind the leader. With the trackside timers not working it was down to the drivers to gauge the speed of the race and the leaders maintained close to even time. Into the back the backmarkers were trying to make an impression, but race leaders Lot Twenty One and Dominate the Dojo had picked up speed. By the 400m Dominate the Dojo had headed Lot Twenty One, with Pradas Ideal Dahling running third three wide, Blissntheblack on the rails and Sea Me Smile still one out one back. Coming around the home turn Lot Twenty One had fought back and kicked away, Dominate The Dojo was beaten but still trying, Pradas was tiring and Sea Me Smile was coming home well. In the end driver Chris Lewis had a look over his shoulder to see no one challenging and Lot Twenty One went on to win the $18,000 Perth Plasterboard Centre 1730m Pace by 5.4m from Dominate The Dojo in a mile rate of 1:56, last qtrs. 28.2 and 28.3. Lot Twenty One has now won 8 races and been placed 32 times for $85,613 in stakes. He has won over $31,000 this season with new trainer Debra Lewis.

Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd and sold for a mere $11,000 at the 2013 WA Yearling Sale, Lot Twenty One is one of three winners from the unraced Bootscootngirl (Parsons Den), with full brothers Americanbootscoota 1:52.5 15 wins $178,495 and Yankee Boots 1:56.9 4 wins $20,586 also winners. Bootscootngirl is out Texan Cowgirl (Fake Left) 2:02.2 6 wins $20,645, the dam of 6 winners including Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425, Binshaw Classic winner Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:55.2 12 wins and $115,876, and Texan Jet (Jet Laag) the dam of Anvil Rollover (Artistic Fella) 1:56.1 7 wins $49,585. The unraced Texan Classic (Classic Garry), the dam of Texan Cowgirl and granddam of Bootscootngirl, is also the dam of Madusa Cam (Fake Left) 1:58.9 11 wins $94,162 and Capricorn Cruiser (Kinney Hanover) 1:57.6 17 wins $206,464. Texan Classic is a daughter of Texan Lady (Hilarious Way) the winner of 7 races and $34,153 in the early 80s. She is a granddaugther of Tasmanian Derby winner Heather Bay (Scotty Belmont) who is a full sister to champion pacers of the 60s in Joseph Scott and Valencia Bay.

THE LAST FRIDAY MEETING FOR 2018

(28 December) What a top night of racing for the last major meeting of the year, with very nice mare Our Angel Of Harlem (Mach Three) winning the $30,000 The Coulson Final for the mares, beautifully bred stallion and Miracle Mile winner My Field Marshall (Art Major) absolutely brilliant in his first start in WA to win the $50,000 Village Kid Sprint, and a good performance by up and coming 4yo stallion Stefsbest (Sportswriter) also. Capped off by three good winning performances from WA bred horses.

Returning to racing the previous week (and running a good second) after an absence of over 4 months, 5yo gelding Lord Willoughby (Mach Three out of Amongst Royalty by Parsons Den) with barrier 2 looked to be solid chance, and his odds of 7/1 were a little generous for those lucky enough to notice. With the favourite The Art Form pinging out from 3, Lord Willoughby settled one out two back after a few hundred metres, with equal second favourites Walkinshaw in the breeze and Fizzing (3rd in the Golden Nugget) in the one one. The pace was solid with a 37.5 lead time and even time first quarter. No rest for the wicked with The Art Form really keeping the pace on with a 28.8 second quarter. Into the back Walkinshaw was taking the race right up to The Art Form and they were a length clear. At the 400 Walkinshaw had put in a super effort and had beaten The Art Form, with Lord Willoughby making a three wide run in a 28.3 3rd quarter. Coming into the home straight Lord Willoughby was flying, passing Walkinshaw by the 100m and just needing to hold out Always Arjay who was coming home very nicely after being one out 4 back in running. In the end it was Lord Willoughby a winner of the $20,000 Beau Rivage NYE Pace (Level 11) by 1.2 from Always Arjay in a lifetime best of 1:56.4, with Walkinshaw in 3rd, last qtr 29.1. Bred and owned by Allwood Stud Farm, the win was the 14th for Lord Willoughby and along with 24 places he has earnings of $136,664.

With 2 scratchings leaving a field of 6, 4yo mare Lady De La Renta (Well Said out Flylika Bird Lombo by Jet Laag) from barrier 1 was a very short favourite. Going straight to the lead out of the barrier, Lady De La Renta steadied for a slow lead and then ran the first two quarters in even time to be well and truly in control. Stretching out nicely to run a 28.8 third quarter, the field was doing their best to keep up. Coming around the home turn Lady De La Renta was well clear, with Mon Lillies from one out two back and Im Stylish from last, making three and 4 wide runs. Lady De La Renta went on to win the $20,000 Better Your Bet Level 11 Fillies and Mares Pace by an easy 5.3m in 1:58.2, with Mon Lillies finished a good second in front of Im Stylish, last quarter 29.1. Bred by Kevin, Annette and Kody Charles and purchased at the 2016 WA Yearling Sale by the Beltons for $26,000, Lady De La Renta has recorded her third win from 5 starts since resuming in November, taking her stakes to $134,902 from 10 wins and 5 places from only 24 starts.

Lady De La Renta is the first winner from racemare Flylika Bird Lombo (Jet Laag) 1:59.8 7 wins $53,975, who did all her racing in Victoria. Flylika Byrd Lombo is out Decethree Lombo (Classic Garry) 2:00.9 and is a half sister to 10 other winners including Lombo Skyrider (Panorama) 1:50 63 wins $841,611, Lombo Cloud Nine (Northern Luck) 1:55.3 $102,310, Lombo Silhouette (Troublemaker) 1:58.4 9 wins $92,528 and Lady Lara Lombo (Northern Lights) 6 wins $51,120 the dam of Lord Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.6 $286,184 and granddam of Wesley (Sportswriter) 1:56.5 13 wins and $130,844. Decethree Lombo is out of Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper) 1:59.4 $245,449, the Australian 3yo of the Year and later Broodmare of the Year, and is therefore a full sister to Magic Maddy Lombo (Classic Garry) 2:03.8 $7,664, Bachelor Lombo (Blissfull Hall) and 7 other winners including Australian 2yo and Horse of the Year Lombo Pocket Watch (Jet Laag), the winner of 17 successive races as a 2yo and the only 2yo to be named Australian Horse of the Year. This family is one of Australia's best and includes Derby winner Handsandwheels (Mach Three) 1:55.9 16 wins $339,447, Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven) 1:57.4 11 wins $124,004, Maddy White (Lombo Mandingo) 1:56.9 11 wins $110,824, Miss Trickin Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.3 $230,312, Suave Stuey Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1:49.6 33 wins $587,032 and Sweet Maddy Lombo (Panorama) 1:59.5 11 wins $106,588.

Really showing his teeth is 3yo gelding Patrickthepiranha (Four Starzzz Shark out of Thats The Spirit by Pacific Rocket), has a perfect record of 5 out of 5 this season following his win in the $18,000 3YO NYE at Gloucester Park Pace. Patrick missed all the biggies as a 2yo, so his record of 6 wins and 1 place for $40,902 might look less than the others, but his ability is clearly evident. Starting favourite from barrier 4, Patrickthepiranha settled quickly into the leaders role, with stablemate Its Rock And Roll settling behind him and major threat Shockwave in the breeze. The lead time and first quarter were fairly sedate, with the speed picking up to a 29.4 second quarter before a buster of a third quarter in 27.7. Franco Edward started his run in the back straight and was second coming out of the back but the fast quarter took its toll on both him and Shockwave, with Patrick's only real threat sitting behind him. Its Rock And Roll came out to chase but was no match for the winner, with Patrickthepiranha winning by 1.8m from Its Rock And Roll with the brave Shockwave hanging on for third after breezing all the way. The mile rate was 1:57.2 with last half in 56 flat.

(21 December) A quieter night after the big races of the previous fortnight, and an excellent run by Gotta Go Gabbana to finish second in the Christmas Gift after breezing, only missing out by 1.9m in 1:56.7, last half in 56 flat. There were two very happy Westbred winners as well.

At his second run since resuming after a six month break, 5yo gelding Back To The Beach (Somebeachsomewhere out of Jessica Clare by Million To One) started favourite from barrier 2, with an advantage over second favourite Bright Diamond starting from 8 on the front. Quite fresh and coming out hard, he was still beaten for speed by Bright Diamond who used some petrol to get to the front. Slowing the race right down once he had the lead, Bright Diamond continued on his merry way with Back To The Beach in behind, Just Bet On Black in the breeze and Destined To Rule in the one by one. Picking up the pace just a little in the 30.8 second quarter, with the Gary Hall Snr runner The Arsonist going fast from the back at the 1000m, the leaders really stepped on the pedals to run a 27.7 third quarter. At the 400 it was still Bright Diamond in front from Just Bet On Black in the two wide and The Arsonist running third 3 wide. Coming out of the back straight Destined To Rule moved 4 wide to make a solid run as The Arsonist and Just Bet On Black were fading. Bright Diamond was a length clear but Back To The Beach was now clear and chasing hard. Digging deap, Back To The Beach flew home to catch Bright Diamond and win the $18,000 NYE Packages Available HWOE < $40,000 Pace by a head, with Destined To Rule also finishing strongly to finish third, mile rate 1:58.4 and last half 57.2. The win was the for the Allwood Stud Farm bred and owned gelding who has just over $70,000 from 10 wins and 13 places.

Back To The Beach is the third winner out of his dam Jessica Clare 1:55.9 $81,285, a very handy mare in her own right, winning 11 races with 39 places. Jessica Clare is one of three winners from her dam Jess Ann (Northern Lights) 2:06.6 $2,017, who is a full or half sister to 6 winners and a half sister to the unraced Marilyn Ann (Hilarion), dam of Buck The Odds (Million To One) 1:55.6 31 wins $307,547, Money Master (1:57.7 18 wins $119,340 and Ultimate Consumer (Northern Lights) 1:57 12 wins $91,030. Also close up in this family is Northern Assassin (Northern Luck) 1:51.8 19 wins $168,603, Ginas Ingot (Allamerican Ingot)1:56.7 $35,199, Might Be Luck (Northern Luck) 1:55 19 wins and $141,194 and Jezalenkoubeauty (Safely Kept) 1:56.3 $89,914, while the NZ arm of the family has produced Machtavish (Mach Three) 1:52.9 24 wins $276,823, Callaway Bromac (McArdle) 1:56.1 20 wins $139,441 and WA bred Khun Ratha (Bettors Delight) 1:55.0 $201,024, another of the many who have recently gone to the US to further their careers.

With around $29,000 in stakes from 2 wins and 7 places this season, 6yo mare Parisian Partygirl (Courage Under Fire out of Summer Carnival NZ by Tuapeka Knight) was a "good thing" from barrier 1 and showing her intentions out of the barrier, she comfortably held the leaders role with Talk It Up landing in the breeze in front of October Brown and Mileys Desire racing behind the Partygirl. With a slow lead and slow first quarter, the speed was a little quicker in the second quarter but not quick enough for Infinite Symbol who was first to move three wide with a lap and the straight to run. The pace quickened to a 28 second third quarter, with Infinite Symbol running second with 600 to go. Mileys Desire was hanging on to the front pair who looked to be the only chances. As they rounded the home turn for the run home Parisian Partygirl looked to have the race won from a determined Infinite Symbol. At the 50m Parisian Partygirl had beaten Infinite Symbol and was heading for a good win, with Mileys Desire getting to Infinite Symbol in the last 20m. The last qtr of the $18,000 Heat of The Coulson was run in 27.7 with a mile rate of 1:58.8 for the 3.9m win by Parisian Partygirl.

Bred by Tarsao Investments, Parisian Partygirl was bought for $12,000 at the 2014 WA Yearling Sale and has now won 9 times been placed 35 times for earnings of $106,167.

GOLDEN NUGGET NIGHT

(14 December) Golden Nugget night and Bettors Delight stallion Ana Malak the winner, with the Bond stable running first to 5th after those starters drew barriers 1, 2 3, 4 and inside the back row. Interestingly, the dam of Ana Malak is by the now WA based sire Tinted Cloud. And there was some return for effort after a lost chance the previous week and a brilliant win by 16m in a Heat of the Coulson by Our Angel Of Harlem.

With the favourite starting from 6, and the next 4 starters very close in the market, the first race of the night was going to be a competetive race. Sizzling out from 6, the favourite The Art Form looked unbeatable after 50m, and was 3 lengths clear of the next horse, Cracka Star who started from 1, with Courage Tells from 2 slipping quickly in behind him. Not going to miss out again, 5yo mare Gotta Go Gabbana (Gotta Go Cullect out of Lady Gabbana by Kinney Hanover) was driven forward to sit in the breeze. The quarters were run in even time and there were no changes in running until the back straight the last time when Gotta Go Gabbana looked to be struggling slightly. Carter Michael from the one one behind Gotta Go Gabbana came out three wide, and Courage Tells moved off the rails into the vacant spot in the two wide line. Coming out of the back straight it was Carter Michael outside Gotta Go Gabbana, but The Art Form still led. Straightening up for the run home, The Art Form shifted under pressure, with Cracka Star making a run down the inside and Gotta Go Gabbana was still there and looking a chance, although now three wide. It was touch and go to the line but the stronger Gotta Go Gabbana went on to win the $18,000 Pace by a half head from The Art Form with Cracka Star in third. The mile rate was 1:56.8, which was a great win in the breeze in open company, with last quarters in 29 and 28.2. It was the 11th win for Gotta Go Gabbana, who also has 15 places and $113,906 in stakes.

(7 December) The top race of the season for the girls, and thanks should go to Albert Walmsely of Westral Blinds for the massive amount of sponsorship that he provides every year, as well as the purchase of horses to race in WA.

It was also a sad night for the connections of one of our best 4yos in Jack Mac, who has raced with some setbacks and stepped out tonight and bravely won his Golden Nugget Prelude, but will not take his place in the field next week due to a pedal bone injury that he sustained during the race. We wish Jack Mac and his connections, the Howlett family, all the best for his full and speedy recovery.

With 2 wins, a 3rd (against top company in the Bunbury Cup) and a second at his previous 4 starts, vastly improved 6yo gelding Im Soxy was very underrated at 14/1, although barrier 9 might have had something to do with that. However, with the first three favourites in barriers 3, 4 and 3 on the backline it was really an open race. From the barrier, favourite Talktomeurmattjesty from 3 worked his way to the front with 3rd favourite Handsandwheels initially settling in the breeze. However, the flashy Im Soxy was on the move three wide and settled in the breeze with two laps to go. Talktomeurmattjesty looked pretty comfortable in front, even though the lead time was a good 36.8 and first qtr honest at just under even time. With a lap to go second favourite Kimani moved up from one out three back to lead up the three wide line. The third quarter was a sizzle at 27.7 and Im Soxy moved up strongly to head Talktomeurmattjesty at the 400m. Coming out of the back straight Kimani was struggling and Handsandwheels had moved out three wide to make his run, but Im Soxy wasnt giving in. They couldnt get past him in the straight and although he was hanging slightly after having lost a shoe, he was just too strong and went on to win the $20,000 Westral Security Doors and Screens Pace in a brilliant tought effort by 1.8m from Talktomeurmattjesty and a head to Handsandwheels in third, mile rate 1:56.3 and last qtr 28.7. This was a super effort from the Harry Capararo bred gelding who has improved so much under trainer Brian Clemens. The win was the 9th for Im Soxy and with 15 places he has just over $100,000 in career stakes.

Unfortunately Im Soxy is the only foal from his dam Forza Di Volonta (Mach Three) 1:58.3 4 wins $19,723, who is a granddaughter of 1995 Pearl Classic winner Mitemptation (Prince Of Gold) 2:00.6 $123,390. Mitemptation is the dam of 8 winners including Slick Operator (Armbro Operative) 1:58 $87,804 and Thirtyeightspecial (Pacific Fella) 2:00.8 $63,822. Mitemptation is out of the unraced Out To Run (Spring Run) who produced 10 winners including Magic Albert (Albert Albert) 1:57.3 $105,357 as well as non winner Mipartimelover (Prince Of Gold) the dam of Casual Fling (Kinney Hanover) 1:58.9 10 wins $82,950. This is the family of Ladyship, who of course is the dam of one of Australasias greatest ever racehorses and sires in Lordship (Johnny Globe).

A great race in the $125,000 Westral Mares Classic, although an unfortunate incident on the first bend which saw Our Angel Of Harlem and Gotta Go Gabbana with no chance. Eden Franco led the race with Tricky Styx on her back and Millview Sienna behind Tricky Styx. In a big effort, Our Angel Of Harlem went from last to the breeze but was gone in the back straight the last time. Eden Franco looked to have the race won at this stage, but that wasnt it at all. With the field becoming spread out over the final quarter of the 2536m race, the rails mares Millview Sienna and (behind her three back the rails) She Could Be Good both were in striking distance. Millview Sienna was making up good ground on Eden Franco who was getting tired, but was still in front by a length at the 50m. Millivew Sienna kept coming and on the line just got to Eden Franco to win the $125,000 Mares Classic by a half neck, with She Could Be Good finishing strongly for third. A great win for Millview Sienna who is by Jeremes Jet (same as Tricky Styx) out of Millview Lily by In The Pocket. Her stakes are now $154,010. Millview Sienna belongs to an extensive family of winners that includes Millwood Meg (Mach Three) 1:53.5 $336,795 and Dilingers Reign (D M Dilinger) 1:57 $264,658

With 3 scratchings including the probable favourite, it was still a very select field. The new race favourite was Our Jimmy Johnstone from 2 and stablemate El Jacko second favourite from 1. Out of the barrier, El Jacko scooted out, with his stablemate nipping in behind him. Runrunjimmydunn went to the breeze from 6 with Waylade behind him in the 6 horse field. 7yo gelding Vultan Tin, at his second start back this campaign, had restrained out of barrier 5 to go straight to the rails behind Our Jimmy Johnstone. A dawdle lead time and slow first quarter followed, with no reason for anyone to put pressure on. Past the 400 and coming out of the back straight, Gary Hall Jnr was still nicely placed in the breeze, with Our Jimmy Jonhstone stuck behind his stablemate. Meanwhile the gap was there for Vultan Tin to move three wide to make a run. At the 100 it was a real tussle between Runrunjimmydunn and El Jacko, with Our Jimmy Jonhstone not able to get out but probably not going to win if he had. Waylade was coming home well and Vultan Tin out wider just starting to fly. On the line it was a brilliant finish with Vultan Tin and Runrunjimmydunn dead heating in the $25,000 Westral Blinds Free For All, with Waylade just behind in third, mile rate 1:57.1 and last qtrs pretty zippy at 27.6 and 27.8. Dead heat winners are now penalised under the HWOE system which means it's treated as a win, which makes it the 18th win for Vultan Tin who along with 29 places has won $344,788 in stakes.

Bred and owned by Phil and Denise Costello and trained by Phil, Vultan Tin is out of Ellevarrac (Pacific Fella) 1:59.3 1 win and $12,896, who is one of three winners from her non winning dam Carravelle (Armbro Intercept) $9,118. Ellevarrac and Carravelle were both bred by Phil. This is a very old female line given little opportunity to succeed until now. The maternal line includes Indomitable (Saab) and champions of the past like Bold Alabar and Sheffield Globe.

In a fairly open race, the favourites Bettors Angel and Innocent Affair started in 1 and 2 respectively and hot footed out of the barrier, with Chris Lewis on Innnocent Affair then restraining to take the sit behind Millwood Brandy from 4 who was also challenging for the lead. 6yo mare Jasmin Amal (Sportswriter out of Shes Our Angel by Classic Garry) was restrained from 8 and settled one out and 3 back in last position. The lead time was solid at 36.8 and the leaders kept up the pace for the journey. No changes until the 600 when Jasmin Amal followed a three wide move. The field packed up coming out of the back with October Brown getting off the rails from behinnd Bettors Angel, Innocent Affair out 4 wide and Jasmin Amal looking threatening for the run home. Rounding the home turn the race was on, and at the 100 it was October Brown getting the better of Bettors Angel but Jasmin Amal now the threat. October Brown fought on well but could not hold out Jasmin Amal who went on to win the $18,000 Westral Venetian Blinds Heat of the Coulson by 1.4m in 1:57.9. The win was the 8th for Jasmin Amal and she also has 10 places fir just over $95,000 in stakes.

Bred and owned by Steve Johnson, Jasmin Amal resumed racing in September this year after her previous career start in September 2016. During her "holiday" she had her first foal in October 2017. So far this season she has 7 starts for 3 wins and 3 places and just under $22,000 in stakes. Jasmin Amal is the second last foal of Shes Our Angel (Classic Garry) 2:03.6 4 wins $14,326 who has been an exceptional broodmare with 18 foals for 10 winners including Sky Tower (Panorama) 1:58.5 36 wins $241,236, Kasey John (Bettors Delight) 1:56.3 10 wins $100,500, Nightn Georgia (Safely Kept) 2:00.4 11 wins $116,605 dam of Rocknrolla (Grinfromeartoear) 1:57.1 12 wins $287,351.

GETTING CLOSE TO THE BIG ONES

(30 November 2018) Another excellent win for the mares, this time top mare Maczaffair (Mach Three) winning the $30,000 Howard Porter Memorial Mares on her way to next week's $125,000 Westral Mares Classic. Team Bond had an impressive winner in the $125,000 4yo Classic in Ana Malak (Bettors Delight), on his way to the $200,000 Golden Nugget in a fortnight. With all that quality it was a difficult night.

In very good form with 3 wins and 2 seconds from his previous 6 starts, then drawing barrier 1, punters rightly chose 5yo gelding Davinci Diamond (Artiscape out of Dekker Diamond by Iraklis) as race favourite. After fending off the challenge from Millwood Brandy who then breezed, Davinci Diamond settled in the lead, with second favourite Scotlynn Beach behind him after starting inside the back line. a fairly solid lead time of 37.6 and even first and second quarters kept everyone honest. A slightly quicker third quarter followed, with Scotlynn Beach getting off the rails just after the 400 and starting the chase. Getting away from Millwood Brandy on the turn, Davinci Diamond skipped away to a handy lead at the top of the straight. Scotlynn Beach was now coming home fast, but Davinci Diamond just held on to win the $18,000 Yes Loans Pace by a head, with 8m back to third place. This was the first metro stakes win for Davinci Diamond who now has 12 wins and 15 places for $87,244.

(23 November 2018) It Another exciting night and some great performances, expecially Eden Franco (Christian Cullen) to win the $50,000 Norms Daughter Classic in 1:56.2, 9yo Devendra returned to the winners list for young trainer Kristy Elson, up and comer Stefsbest (Sportswriter) a half brother to new sire Follow The Stars, was an impressive winner of a prelude of the Golden Nugget and we had two of our own winners on the night.

In what appeared a fairly open race, 7yo gelding Free To Air (P Forty Seven out of Darnya Delavaega by Albert Albert) was starting inside the back line while the favourite Luis Alberto was starting in 5, hence slightly generous odds. Out of the barrier second favourite Northern Emperor from 2 went straight to the front, with Free To Air settling two back the fence behind October Brown. It was a 2536m race and there was some pressure put on Northern Emperor by Illusionation before that horse had to settle for the breeze. Now the field settled down to a evenly run race. With a lap and the length of the straight to go, Luis Alberto moved up three wide from third last in the moving line, and was running 4th but still 3 wide with 600 to go. Illusionation was dropping back through the field, giving the leading four horses a handy split. Coming up to the home turn Luis Alberto had just about headed Northern Emperor, but the rails horses were now getting ready to pounce. Free To Air was off the rails and three wide and now free to chase, with Machrie, who was behind him on the rails, following. Into the straight Luis Alberto caught Northern Emperor but couldn hold off Free To Air, who went on to win the $18,000 Ellen Pobjoy HWOE < $40,000 by a half neck, with Machrie finishing fast out wide for third. The mile rate was 1:59.3 with solidly run quarters throughout. The win was the 6th for Free To Air who has also been placed 16 times for $59,516 in stakes with an excellent last season resulting in over $25,000 in stakes.

Bred by Russell and Dianne Eddy, Free to Air is the last foal from Darnya Delavaega, who has also produced one other winner. Darnya Delavaega is out of Pandoras Gold (Classic Garry) 1:57.7 7 wins $33,700 who has produced 3 winners including Pandoras Reign (Whats Next) 1:57.9 16 wins $80,945 who is the dam of 3 winners including Ulittledevil (Die Laughing) 2:00.9 11 wins $62,646. It gets better, with Pandoras Gold being out of Sheza Toli (Toliver Hanover) 2:07.1 who is a half sister to No Questions (Maple Lanes Strike) who of course is the dam of Has The Answers (Legacy Of Power) 1:53.0 76 wins $1,326,582 and All The Answers (Shipps Scorch) 1:52.0 44 $249,493. This is also the family of one of Australias best ever trotters in Johnny Gee (Johnny Globe), who is a full brother to the dam of No Questions and Sheza Toli and a half brother th Black Poplar (Tuft), the granddam of multiple Group 1 winner and 1995 Inter Dominion winner Golden Reign.

With a first up second a fortnight earlier, 3yo colt Shockwave (Mach Three out of Here For The Money by Rich And Spoilt) started favourite in the small field with his main competition looking likely to be Gee Jay Kay, who had trialled 12 days earlier finishing 90 metres in front of the main field. Gee Jay Kay got out fast but settled for the breeze position next to Theo Aviator, with Shock Wave in the one by one. No reason to for anyone to move with two lines of three, but the first and second quarter will still even time. Going for it in a 28.1 third quarter, Gee Jay Kay went past the leader Theo Aviator, and was heading for home with Shock Wave chasing. Coming out of the back straight the inexperienced Gee Jay Kay broke up on the turn and Shock Wave went straight past to race away and win the $18,000 Matt Allen 3yo Pace by 19.5m with Gee Jay Kay managing to recover for second in front of Theo Aviator. The mile rate was pretty fast at 1:56.6 and last quarter super at 27.9. The win was only the 4th for Shock Wave who also has 6 places, with his 12 starts realising $80,404 in stakes after some unlucky placings in the three Group 1s as a 2yo.

Bred by Kevin and Annette Charles and sold for $46,000 as a yearling, Shockwave is the second foal and first winner from his dam Here For The Money (Rich And Spoilt) 1:57.9 7 wins $81,874 second in Group 1 Sales Classic and third in the Group 1 Diamond Classic to Sensational Gabby. Here For The Money is one of two winners from her unraced dam Regal Castle (Safely Kept) who is a daughter of Duel Queen (Seahawk Hanover) 2:02.7 $32,150. Duel Queen is a half sister to Gold King (Silent Spring) 1:58.4 $216,186 and to the Albert Albert dam of Its Only Rocknroll (Million Dollar Cam) 1:52.2 $309,432. Even more noteworthy, Duel Queen is a half sister to Queen Xena (Silent Spring) 2:02.7 $23,359, the dam of multiple Group 1 winners Chariot King (Badlands Hanover) 1:51.3 $643,405 and Emjayem Grand (Bettors Delight) 1:49.6 $431,697. If that wasnt enough, also included in the family is Baileys Dream (Dream Away) 1:55.1 23 wins $1,216,513.

2018 WASBA BOB HUMPHRIES

(17 November 2018) It There was a full house on track to watch the night's racing, with free entry and market stalls adding to the activities for patrons. The main race was the WASBA Bob Humphries Memorial, and what a good race, one of the first under the new HWOE handicap system with the $14,000 race for mares, Grouped Barrier draw on HWOE (grouped by Handicap win dollars) for mares with HWOE less than $25,000. The favourite was Dancing With Mach from barrier 1, with second favourite Jingle Jolt from 4. Jingle Jolt flew out of the barrier and had the lead going into the first turn, with Dancing With Mach on her back, Bettors Angel in the breeze, behind her Alkira Quattro Jet followed by Innocent Affair in the one by two. After a speedy lead time they dawdled the first quarter before running even time in the second quarter. With the speed quickening to a 28.9 third quarter the back markers were finding it hard to make an impression. At the 400 Allkira Quattro Jet and Innocent Affair were three and four wide making their moves. Round the turn into the straight the 4 mares were going for home with Dancing With Mach grabbing the sprint lane opportunity to make it a 5 mare sprint for home. In a brilliant finish, 4yo mare Innocent Affair won by 1.1m from Jingle Jolt with Dancing With Mach and Alkira Quattro Jet a nose away in a dead heat for third. Bettors Angel was very brave in finishing only 2m further back, with the last qtr run in 28.3 and mile rate 1:59.5.

Bred, owned and trained by Debra Lewis and driven by Chris Lewis, 4yo Innocent Affair (Art Major out of Shes Innocent by D M Dilinger) is a full sister to multiple Group 1 winner Restrepo 1:52.4 19 wins $527,118. Unlike Restrepo who was a star juvenile, Innocent Affair only commenced a racing career as a late 3yo. She has had just 23 starts for 7 wins and 8 places. Shes Innocent 2:01.7, the dam of Innocent Affair, was the winner of 1 race and $12,460 in stakes. Her dam Cerebrano (Lordship) 2:05.9 4 wins $6,874 was also relatively unsuccessful on the track but has excelled as a broodmare, producing 11 winners with the standout performer being Innocent Eyes (Safely Kept) 1:57.6 18 wins $421,875. Among her Group 1 wins were the 2005 Victorian Oaks, 2005 Australian Oaks, and the 2006 Chariots Of Fire.

Thanks to Julie and her team at Bunbury for making it such a special night. Of course the race is in honour of Bob Humphries, whose contribution to the harness industry in WA, and the South West and Bunbury region in particular, was enormous. Bob’s efforts to support and promote breeding in Western Australia over a 14 year period were without peer. Bob was a leading owner and breeder in New South Wales before venturing west in 1981 when he moved his entire racing and breeding operation, including 116 horses, on a special train across the Nullabor to a new stud farm at Northcliffe. From here he spent the next 14 years promoting and supporting breeding in Western Australia under the name of Trunkey Standardbreds. He served on the Committee and as President of the Western Australian Standardbred Breeders Association and served as a Committee member of the Western Australian Trotting Association for another 8 years. His contribution to harness racing both as an administrator and in breeding was duly recognised with life membership of the WATA. Bob died in 2010, but his name remains on the record books as the breeder of Derby winners Trunkey Sting and Trunkey Maserati, Oaks winner Ferrari Trunkey and two Fremantle Cup winners in Trunkey Westerner and Trunkey Sting, He also bred a number of classic winning 2 and 3yos including Trunkey Jaguar, Butterfly Trunkey, Taipan Trunkey, Trunkey Gold and Trunkey Limousine. Trunkey Gold was the dam of Australian 2yo Pacer of the Year Mazzini Magic, and Butterfly Trunkey was the dam of dual Australian Aged Mare of the Year Tailamade Lombo. The Trunkey name still carries through today with dual Group 1 winning filly Soho Interceptor, a granddaughter of Tailamade Lombo.

IT'S ALL IN THE FAMILY

(16 November 2018) A busy night of quality racing, with Millview Sienna (Jeremes Jet) winning an $18,000 fillies and mares and Our Angel Of Harlem (Mach Three) winning an open $18,000, Inters prospect Galactic Star (Bettors Delight) winning the $25,000 Pat Cranley Memorial over the sprint journey in 1:54.2 and 4yo entire Mighty Conqueror (American Ideal) an impressive winner of the $50,000 4yo Championship in 1:53.9. And a winner in race 1 was a good start to the night.

After starting as third favourite from 5 on the front, 5yo entire Tyler Brett (Robin Hood out of Jossies Bell by Orleans) was driven hard out to lead, and after a brief tussle with second favourite The Trilogy from 2 which saw The Trilogy checked and lost stride, Tyler Brett took the leaders role in a 36.5 lead time. With a minor scrimmage occurring during the lead time, Our Max Phactor went forward from midfield into the breeze positon. With the first two quarters close to even time, the third quarter became a real sprint and the leading pair broke away from the field in a 27.9 third quarter. Coming into the home straight Tyler Brett had a handy lead and went on to win the $20,000 Heat 3 of the Kersley HWOE < $70,000 (equivalent M1) by 1.5m from Our Max Phactor, who had made up some ground towards the end in a 28.3 quarter and overall mile rate of 1:55.7. Bred and owned by John Bell, Tyler Brett, who finished the previous season off with a win in the prestigious John Higgins Memorial, resumed in October with a win at Pinjarra and now has $100,271 from 13 wins and 13 places.

The sire of Tyler Brett is Robin Hood (Fake Left) 1:55.8 $796,567, one of the top racehorses of the late 2000s with wins in the Group 1 Treuer Memorial, Group 2 Cordina Sprint and the $350,000 Victoria Cup, with these victories over horses like Blacks A Fake, I Am Sam, Karloo Mick and Smoken Up. Jossies Belle (Orleans) 2:00.8 3 wins $18,553, the dam of Tyler Brett was also bred by John Bell and was the winner of 3 races and is a half sister to 3 other winners.

The favourite Sightseeing Anvil, stepping out from 1, was expected to lead and did exactly that, with the horse in 2 Mighty Flying Deal happy to settle in the breeze in a 38.5 lead time. This was an excellent turn of events for second favourite 5yo entire Handsandwheels (Mach Three out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art), who started behind Mightly Flying Deal and settled straight into the one out one back. The first quarter was 31.1 and second quarter not much faster, so bets were on a speedy last half. Nothing moved until the 400m, when the breeze horse started to falter slightly and Handsandwheels hooked out three wide with Mister Ardee following from his one out two back position. Round the turn, Sightseeing Anvil was clinging onto his lead, but Handsandwheels had levelled up at the 100 and went on to win the $20,000 Intersport Slater Gartrell Pace (Level 11, HWOE LT $70,000) M2 equivalent by 1.6m from Sightseeing Anvil, who managed to hold onto second from Mister Ardee, mile rate 1:58.0 and last qtrs 28.4 and 27.6. The win was the 16th for Handsandwheels and his stakes tally is now just over $336,000. Pretty nice!

Bred by prominent breeder Mike Howie, Handsandwheels is out of broodmare gem and 2016/17 WASBA Broodmare of the Year Benjor Maddy Lombo (Perfect Art) 2:01.8 $21,511, who is also the dam of Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven) 1:57.4 11 wins $124,004, WASBA King Lethbridge winner Maddy White (Lombo Mandingo) 1:56.9 11 wins $110,824 and 2 other winners Benjor Maddy Lombo is out of Magic Maddy Lombo (Classic Garry) 2:03.8 $7,664 who also produced Miss Trickin Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.3 $230,312, Suave Stuey Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1:49.6 33 wins $587,032, Sweet Maddy Lombo (Panorama) 1:59.5 11 wins $106,588 and Soho Madeleine (Bettors Delight) 1:56.8 9 wins $96,803. Magic Maddy Lombo's dam is Australian 3yo Filly of the Year and Australian Broodmare of the Year Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper) 1:59.4 $245,449, with Misty Maiden the dam of Australian 2yo and Horse of the Year Lombo Pocket Watch, the winner of 17 successive races as a 2yo and the only 2yo to be named Australian Horse of the Year.This family also included Lombo Skyrider (Panorama) 1:50 63 wins $841,611, Lady De La Renta (Well Said) 1:55.1 $122,812 and Wesley (Sportswriter) 1:56.5 13 wins and $130,844.

Not to be outdone on the night by his relative Handsandwheels, 5yo entire Wesley (Sportswriter out of El Jay Lombo by Bettors Delight) got himself a win on the night for excited trainer Sarah Wall. With an excellent win 3 weeks earlier and in top form, the race favourite was Chiaroscuro, expecially with the 1 barrier. But its never that easy, and Chiaroscuro blotted his copybook by galloping just after barrier release changing the complexion of the race completely. From barrier 4, Wesley took the opportunity and scooted to the front, with Chiaroscuro initially settling 3rd on the rails then trying his luck with a little angling to move to the one wide line and test Wesley's intentions. However, Wesley was more than happy to keep the lead, with Chiaroscuro settling in the breeze and Im Zuleika and One for Sassy following behind Wesley on the rails. Wesley was being very well rated by reinsman Kaiden Hayter, who kept the race just below even time. At the 400m it was still Wesley, having picked up to a 28.9 third quarter. Up to the home turn it almost looked like Chiaroscuro had Wesley's measure, but fighting back on the inside, Wesley saw off Chiaroscuro as they straightened for the run home. Down the straight it was Wesley too good and winning the $20,000 Westside Auto Wholesale Pace (HWOE < $70,000) by 1.4m, with One For Sassy through the middle and Im Zuleika out wide running on well for second and third. The mile rate was a solid 1:56.8 and the final qtr was run in 28.9. It was the second consecutive win for Wesley, who now has $130,844 from 13 wins and 9 places.

(9 November 2018) It was an excellent night for the girls, with classy 5yo mare Maczaffair (Mach Three) winning the $30,000 York Cup in a hard fought victory over another classy mare in Eden Franco, mile rate 1:55.1. There was also a nice win by Pick My Pocket (Bettors Delight) in the support card. Two very much in form WA bred horses also won.

In sparkling form with a win the previous week, 6yo gelding Im Soxy (Rich And Spoilt out of Forza Di Volonta by Mach Three) drew barrier 1 for the second week in a row – how good is that! Stepping out well from the barrier intending to hold the lead, he did just that, with Soho Chelsea having to settle for the breeze after testing the leader, Arthur Lowe getting the leaders back, Gotta Go Gabbana neatly settling into the one one and the favourite Maxentius setting one out two back. With a lap to go Maxentius commenced a three wide run and the race picked up pace, with the 3rd qtr run in 28.2. By the 400m Im Soxy had kicked away a little, with Arthur Lowe getting up on the inside and Maxentius now making up ground wide. Im Soxy led into the straight, with Maxentius trying hard now two wide and Arthur Lowe with his nose on the helmet of Im Soxy’s Ryan Warwick. Down the straight it was Im Soxy all the way and making it two on end to win the $20,000 Tabtouch M2 Pace by 1.9m from Maxentius with Arthur Lowe not getting to daylight in third. The last quarter was a very good 27.7 and the mile rate speedy at 1:56.6.

The win was the 8th for Im Soxy and he has 2 wins and 4 placings from 7 starts this season and career stakes of just over $80,000. Bred by Harry Capararo, Im Soxy is the only foal from his dam Forza Di Volonta (Mach Three) 1:58.3 4 wins $19,723, who is a granddaughter of Mitemptation (Prince Of Gold) 2:00.6 $123,390, winner of the 1995 Pearl Classic against the boys. Mitemptation is the dam of 7 winners and is a half sister to 9 other winners including Magic Albert (Albert Albert) 1:57.3 $105,357. This is the family of Ladyship, who of course is the dam of one of Australasias greatest ever racehorses and sires in Lordship (Johnny Globe).

Hanging back a little at the start to get the fly, 6yo gelding Thereugo (McArdle out of Janice Franco by Live Or Die) showed his customary gate speed and after a brief tussle with favourite Chiarscuro had secured the race lead before entering the home straight the first time. As expected the lead time was quick at 36.5 and Kyle Harper on Thereugo slowing to a walk for a 32.4 first quarter, with Carter Michael taking advantage of the slow pace and coming from last to take the breeze. The second quarter was also pedestrian, with a bit more speed in a 30.4 third quarter. Chiaroscuro was now looking for room with both leaders content to keep him under wraps. Entering the home straight Thereugo scooted for home, holding out Carter Michael to win the $20,000 M1 Tabtouch The Kersley Heat 2 by a half head in a 27.6 4th quarter with Chiaroscuro getting out and coming wide to fill third a further 2.9m back, winners mile rate 2:00.1. The win was the 17th for Thereugo with 8 places adding up to $116,492 in stakes.

Bred by Donald Harper and trained by Kyle Harper, Thereugo is one of two winners from two foals of racing age for his dam Janice Franco (Live Or Die) 1:58 $76,782. Janice Franco raced in WA for owner trainer Donald Harper before being retired to stud. She is out of NZ bred mare Joanie Franco (Talk About Class) who also produced Franco Jonquill (Falcon Seelster) 1:52.6 11 wins and $107,601 and the unraced Jazz Franco (Live Or Die), the dam of FrancoJazzman (McArdle) 1:54.7 $101,840. Joanie Franco is out of the Group 1 winning NSW trotting mare Joanie Toliver (Toliver Hanover) 2:05.5 $67,246, with the family closely related to Colwyn Bay, the dam of one of the worlds most highly regarded pacers of all time in Cardigan Bay (Hal Tryax) 1:56.2 $1,000,837. Other members of the maternal family include Glenferrie Hood (Christian Cullen) 1:52.0 $406,822, Chancellor Cullen (Christian Cullen) 1:52.8 $411,821, Franco Nelson (Christian Cullen) 1:53.1 $870,173, locally raced Bettor Be Supreme (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 $130,750 and her full brother Spanish Armada 1:52.1 $787,470. This is an extensive maternal line and features high class trotters and pacers.

SECOND CHANCE WORTH MORE

(2 November 2018) It's James Brennan Night, and good news for evergreen Danieljohn who was a scratching as an emergency for the $50,000 feature race and ended the night by winning $4,000 more than everyone except the winner of the James Brennan!

Also a nice run by the mares in the M0 mobile with eventual winner Beach Goddess (Somebeachsomewhere), a $23,000 purchase at the 2015 Yearling Sale, pulling away from Parisian Partygirl to win by 8.1m, with Infinite Symbol in third. It was her 12th win and she now has just over $108,000 in stakes.

In good form and with barrier 1 it was no surprise that 6yo gelding Im Soxy (Rich And Spoilt out of Forza Di Volonta by Mach Three) started favourite in the first on the night. With his customary speed, second favourite Thereugo sizzled to the front from barrier 9 and Im Soxy was content to sit on his back. A few lengths clear and using up a little more petrol early than might have been wise, Thereugo dropped to a 32 second first quarter, with Tanaka Eagle on his outside and Carter Michael on Im Soxy’s back on the rails. At the 500m, there was a forward move from midfield but Thereugo was looking pretty impressive a length clear in front. At the 300 Thereugo was travelling so well that Im Soxy was able to get clear and Carter Michael followed him through. As they rounded the home turn it looked like a tactical error, as Im Soxy was moving up strongly on Thereugo. Running for home, Im Soxy hit the front at the 100m. Carter Michael flew home but it was a hands down good win to In Soxyby 2.1m in the $22,000 M1 to M3 JP Sportsbar Pace, with Carter Michael getting to Thereugo on the line for second. The mile rate was 1:57.0 with last quarters a solid 28.2 and 27.9. The win took Im Soxy to just over $68,000 from 7 wins and 13 places, with 5 of those wins since Brian Clemens took over his training.

Bred by Harry Capararo, Im Soxy had a late start to his career, only commencing racing as a late 3yo. His dam Forza Di Volonta (Mach Three) 1:58.3 4 wins $19,723, died having her second foal. Her unraced dam Bella Baci (Village Jasper) is a daughter of Mitemptation (Prince Of Gold) 2:00.6 $123,390, who won the 1995 Pearl Classic against the boys and unfortunately was retired after just 18 starts due to injury. Mitemptation is the dam of 7 winners and is a half sister to 9 other winners including Magic Albert (Albert Albert) 1:57.3 $105,357. This is the family of Ladyship, who of course is the dam of one of Australasias greatest ever racehorses and sires in Lordship (Johnny Globe).

At his second run back since resuming, 8yo gelding Khun Ratha (Bettors Delight out of Calafia by Holmes Hanover) was stepping out from 1 in a field that included recent winners Handandwheels from 6, Extreme Prince from inside the back line and race favourite Maxentius from 5. Going quickly out of the barrier, Khun Ratha had the lead until Handsandwheels worked hard to get to the lead before the post first time around, with lead time 36 flat. Extreme Prince was now behind Khun Ratha and Maxentius was one out two back. With 1200 to go Maxentius went forward to the breeze and the pace was on, second quarter 28.8. The field was stretched out in the back straight with the race leaders maintaining a solid rate and the third quarter was run in 28 flat. At the 400 Maxentius had just got to Handsandwheels but Khun Ratha and Extreme Prince were coming hard. Around the home turn it was 4 across the track but it was down to Maxentius and Khun Ratha at the 100m, with Khun Ratha too strong and winning the $20,000 M2 NYE at Gloucester Park Pace by 1.4m in a lifetime best of 1:55.0, last half 57.2. The win took his stakes to $194,508 from 18 wins and 38 places.

Bred by Paul Poli, Khun Ratha is the first winner from his dam Calafia 2:06.6 8 wins $43,303. The unraced dam of Calafia is also the dam of two other winners and is a half sister to the good winner Abdias (Surmo Hanover) 1:55 30 wins $260,771. Machtavish (Mach Three) 1:52.9 24 wins $276,823 and Callaway Bromac (McArdle) 1:56.1 20 wins $139,441 also belong to this maternal line along with Buck The Odds (Million To One) 1:55.6 31 wins $307,547, Northern Assassin (Northern Luck) 1:51.8 19 wins $168,603 and Might Be Luck (Northern Luck) 1:55 19 wins $139,094.

After a tremendous last season in which he won 7 races and over $36,000 in stakes, the 10 yo gelding Danieljohn (Blissfull Hall out of Aussie Evita by Armbro Aussie) resumed racing in October with a new owner, and stepping out from 1 he was, not surprisingly, favourite. Expected to hold up and he did, and settled in the leaders role with stablemate Bettor Not Bitter on his back. With 900 to go second favourite Benhope Rulz from 3 back the moving line went forward three wide, with last start winner Suspicious Life (at the very good odds of 25/1) right behind him. The quarters had been even time but the pace quickened to a very quick 27.8 third quarter with Danieljohn very comfortable in front, Bettor Not Bitter now a clear second with the breeze horse dropping back, and Benhope Rulz and Suspicious Life still three wide. Still going ok coming into the home straight, and Suspicious Life coming up on the inside of Benhope Rulz, Danieljohn was still unchallenged and went on to win the $20,000 M1 Book Your Beau Rivage Xmas Function first Heat of the Kersley by 2.2m from Bettor Not Bitter and Suspicious Life a further 1.7m in third, mile rate 1:56.3 and last half 56.9. The win took Danieljohn to $324,469 from 35 wins and 44 places, with his wins including the 2013 $50,000 San Simeon Classic.

Bred by and until recently owned by John Bell, Danieljohn is out of race winning mare Aussie Evita (Armbro Aussie) 2:01.8 8 wins and $17,975. Aussie Evita is also the dam of Kenzie May Belle (Orleans), the dam of the 2016 San Simeon Classic winner Master Jaxon (Cams Fool) 1:54.8 20 wins $154,562.

With a nice win at Bunbury at his first start back following a 7 month absence, 5yo gelding Wesley (Sportswriter out of El Jay Lombo by Bettors Delight) was starting as second favourite from 9, a long way behind the very short priced Gary Hall runner starting in 2. Flying out of the barrier, Wesley had the lead just after they passed the post and over the sprint journey of 1730, that’s a very important start. Kaptain Kenny was left three wide and was forced to continue to the breeze leaving Aussie Jet (from 1) behind the leader, and the favourite Luis Alberto in the one two. The first quarter was quite fast but the second was a dawdle, allowing Northern Emperor to move three wide and woosh forward to be third at the 400 with the Arsonist right behind him. The favourite was not travelling well enough to be in contention and meanwhile Wesley was travelling very well in front after a 28 second third quarter. Coming out of the back straight it was Northern Emperor three wide, The Arsonist 4 wide and Aussie Jet still sitting quietly on the fence. Into the home straight Wesley shot away and went on to win the $18,000 Tabtouch Better Your Bet M0 by an easing 13.1m from Aussie Jet and The Arsonist, mile rate1:56.5 and last quarter 28.3. The win was the 12th for the 2016 $50,000 Champagne Classic winner and with 9 places he has $118,754 from only 34 starts.

(26 October 2018) A great start to Italian Fireworks night with 7yo mare C C Chevron a winner and another one for the girls with Dontstopbelievin (Somebeachsomewhere) winning the $30,000 Preux Chevalier final from a very competetive group of mares. It was also Parliamentarians Cup night which over the last few years has been a mares only race but has now swapped with the Howard Porter (scheduled on 30 November) as the mares only race. Howard Porter and the Porter family were breeders and owners over a number of years and contributed greatly to harness racing in WA, so very apt that a Group mares race is named after Howard.

Upsets arent restricted to Parliament and it was certainly an upset in the Parliamentarians Cup, with the favourite King Of Swing failing and subsequently being diagnosed with a virus. Back to the race, Danieljohn from 1 stepped out well as did stablemate The Trilogy from 2, with The Trilogy going to the front and Danieljohn content to sit behind. Sokys Bigbullet from 3 was in the breeze with Maczaffair behind him, and King Of Swing from 4 was at the rear of the moving line. Meanwhile, 7yo gelding Tommy Be Good from 5 was restrained out of the barrier and whipped around Mitch Maguire (from 10) to settle third on the rails after Mitch sought the moving line and settled one out two back behind Maczaffair. The lead time was sizzling at 35.3 before a sedate first quarter of 31 flat. At the 1200 King Of Swing moved out three wide and with a lap to go he was outside the breeze horse Sokys Bigbullet. At the 400 though, King of Swing hadnt made any further impression on the race leaders and the field was starting to break up under a 28.3 third quarter. Coming up to the home turn King Of Swing was gone, with runners having to go around him. Danieljohn was off the rails chasing his stablemate and Tommy Be Good was also coming off the rails. In the straight Danieljohn just about caught The Trilogy with 100 to go but Tommy Be Good was now three wide and absolutely flew home to grab the lead with 20m to go and go on and win the Parliamentarians Cup by 2.2m from Danieljohn, with The Trilogy hanging on for third. It was an excellent result for Tommy Be Good, who started at 30/1, and took his stakes to just under $194,000 from 16 wins and 25 places. This is the second Group win for Tommy, who won the $30,000 Don Randall Memorial at Pinjarra just under a year ago.

Bred by Patrician Park, Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet out of Spicks And Specks by Golden Greek) was bought for $14,000 at the 2013 WA Yearling Sale for current connections Tom Erceg and Kat Warwick. He is the last foal from his dam Spicks and Specks who has also produced winners Liquid Radar (Armbro Operative) 1:57 13 wins $116,033 and Niseko (Bettors Delight) 1:58.8 8 wins $48,430. Her unraced daughter Rapunzels Dream (Western Terror) is the dam of Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire) 1:56.8 19 wins $91,086 and one other winner. Spicks And Specks is a half sister to Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199 and Turkish (Village Jasper) 1:59 12 wins $131,303. Tommy Be Good's unraced granddam Breathtaking (Classic Garry), is a half sister to WA champion Shattering Class (Golden Greek) 62 wins $810,302.

Starting inside the backline with the favourite Bechers Brook right next to him in 11, 5yo gelding Chiaroscuro (Art Major out of Kelty Star by Caprock) settled happily behind the race leader Hes Talking who started from 1. Meanwhile Bechers Brook was initially one out and three back but with one lap down in the 2536m race, driver Mark Reed went forward three wide to take the breeze and after a bit of effort, got to that position with just under two laps to go. With a bit of a bump just before the winning post the last time, Chiaroscuro secured the one-one, with Scotlynn Beach now three wide and Kaptain Kenny scooting up on the inside to sit behind the leader. In the back straight Hes Talking was still in command from Bechers Brook in the breeze, Kaptain Kenny on the rails and Chiaroscuro waiting for the the gap. Coming to the turn Bechers Brook was tackling Hes Talking, which gave Chiaroscuro the chance to move three wide and start the chase. Kimani was also coming hard 4 wide from mid field, but into the straight Chiaroscuro finished too strongly for Bechers Brook and Hes Talking to win the $18,000 Comunita Di Delianuova M0 Pace with Kimani flashing home to take second, a neck behind the winner. The mile rate was 1:59.4 with last qtr 28.3.

Bred by Kody Charles and sold at the 2015 Yearling Sale for $18,500 Chiaroscuro has won just over $63,000 from his 10 wins and 8 places, with over $50,000 earned since August 2017. His dam Kelty Star, the winner of one race, has produced 6 winners including I Am Special (Live Or Die) 1:57.4 $74,744, winner of the 2009 WASBA Breeders Stakes and other metropolitan races and dam of Dior Mia More (Tintin In America) 1:53.2 10 wins $77,806. Kelty Star is a full sister to Jillbo 1:53.8 27 wins $272,951, the dam of 5 winners including Jackaroo Bromac (McArdle) 1:52.4 27 wins $238,717 and Juliette Bromac (Art Major) 1:54.5 9 wins $99,546 and granddam of Aldebaran Macha (Mach Three) 1:54.7 17 wins $134,722.

Short in the betting at 2/1 from a wide gate, driver Morgan Woodley didnt stress coming out from 7 on 6yo gelding Fanci A Dance (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Fancipance by Fake Left) and was three wide early. However, he moved forward almost immediately and had the breeze position before crossing the winning post the first time, with Hastalavista on his back and Glow Bright in the lead. With a lap to go Fanci A Dance put some pressure on the leader Glow Bright and the pace stepped up to a 28.3 3rd qtr. At the 400m Fanci A Dance was going to win, and coming into the home straight Fanci A Dance cruised home, going on to win the $10,500 C5 to C9 Westbred by 9.4m with Glow Bright hanging on for second, last qtr 28 flat and mile rate 1:58.3. The win was the 10th for Fanci A Dance and along with 10 places he has just over $61,000 in stakes.

Bred, trained and part owned by Barry Howlett, Fanci A Dance is one of two winners produced by Fancipance (Fake Left), who won 12 races in Queensland and WA and over $40,000 in stakes. She is a half sister to 3 other winners and belongs to the family of foundation mare Pleasant Guy (Adioo Guy). This family has produced WA Pearl and Derby winner Argent Treasure (Jet Laag) 1:57.4 $398,434 and Touch Me Toes (Our Sir Vancelot) 1:56.6 $265,041.

MOUNT EDEN'S NIGHT

(19 October 2018) It was a great night for both boys and girls, with the night honoring one of the most phenomenal horses of all time in Mount Eden, with the Mount Eden Sprint. Stallions won on the night - Bechers Brook (Somebeachsomewhere full brother to Our Waikiki Beach), brothers Rock Me Over () and Handsandwheels Mach Three) Golden Slipper winner Mitch Maguire (Sportswriter). Who knows where they will be in 5 years time but perhaps some of them will get their opportunity at stud. On the girl front there were two nice winners in Better B Chevron (Bettors Delight) and Soho Changeling (Art Major).

Breeder Mike Howie and broodmare gem Benjor Maddy Lombo (Perfect Art) won a double on the night (Mike in fact won three races!). Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven) and 2017 Derby winner Handsandwheels (Mach Three) are two of 4 winners from Benjor Maddy Lombo 2:01.8 3 wins $21,511. Her other winners include WASBA King Lethbridge winner Maddy White (Lombo Mandingo) 1:56.9 11 wins $110,824. Benjor Maddy Lombo was named 2016/2017 WASBA Broodmare of the Year and is a half sister to Miss Trickin Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.3 $230,312 and Suave Stuey Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1:49.6 33 wins $587,032. Their dam Magic Maddy Lombo (Classic Garry) produced 7 winners in total and her other winners include Sweet Maddy Lombo (Panorama) 1:59.5 11 wins $106,588 and Soho Madeleine (Bettors Delight) 1:56.8 9 wins $96,803. Magic Maddy Lombo's dam is Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper) 1:59.4 $245,449, the Australian 3yo Filly of the Year and Australian Broodmare of the Year. Misty Maiden is the dam of Australian 2yo and Horse of the Year Lombo Pocket Watch, the winner of 17 successive races as a 2yo and the only 2yo to be named Australian Horse of the Year.This family also included Lombo Skyrider (Panorama) 1:50 63 wins $841,611 and the locally raced Lady De La Renta (Well Said) 1:55.1 $110,457 and Wesley (Sportswriter) 1:57.4 11 wins and $107,873.

Favourite from 2, 4yo entire Rock Me Over was expected to lead and got away quickly, with second favourite Chiaroscuro in the breeze after starting brilliantly from 7. Well rated in front, Rock Me Over led into the last lap with Destined To Rule from second last moving out three wide to make a run with Fanci A Dance from last tacking on. At the 400 Chiaroscuro was losing a little bit of momentum after breezing, Rock Me Over was still in command, and Destined To Rule and Fanci A Dance steadily making ground. Coming off the back their was still no threats, and Fanci A Dance was forced to come wider to make ground on the leader. Into the straight Rock Me Over still had the lead from Chiaroscuro who was trying very hard, and Fanci A Dance the main threat. In the end Rock Me Over was too good and won the $18,000 Choices Flooring M0 by 3.2m from the fast finishing Fanci A Dance and Chiaroscuro, with Chiaroscuro losing third on protest to Destined To Rule. The win was the 11th for Rock Me Over who also has 12 places and $122,116 in stakes.

Having his first start since July after a great season which saw him add over $78,000 to his earnings, 5yo entire Handsandwheels was starting a short priced favourite from barrier 4 in the $22,000 M1 to M3 Tabtouch Better Your Bet Pace. He was also expected to lead and did just that, with a solid lead time of 37.5. Second favourite Neighlor was on his back, Sokys Bigbullet in the breeze and Twentynine Twelve next on the fence. They sauntered through the first quarter in 32.2 then an even time second quarter was followed by 28.5 where the speed had the field stretching. Handsandwheels was holding the lead easily as they rounded the turn into the home straight and in the run home he was just too good, holding them at bay to win by 3.1m from Neighlor with Twentyninne Twelve just getting over Sokys Bigbullet for third. The mile rate was a tidy 1:58.2 and last qtr in 28.2, bringing up the 15th win and $323,327 in career earnings from only 44 starts that includes 17 places.

After a win in the WASBA Allwood Stud Farm Virgil Queen Celebration Pace at Northam in August, 5yo mare Soho Changeling (Art Major out of Country Change by Village Jasper) has run 4 placings from 6 starts and was starting as second favourite in barrier 1, which was a litte generous. With the favourite Millwood Brandy going out fast from barrier 2, Soho Changeling settled behind the leader with first Sea Me Smile then Four Legged Frenzy then Shes Turbo Charged going to the breeze with 1200m to go. In the back straight the last time Parisian Partygirl made a bold forward move to be 4th at the 400m, with Millwood Brandy holding Soho Changeling in a pocket and Shes Turbo Charged still holding onto the breeze. Coming into the home straight Soho Changeling saw daylight and was after the favourite who had grabbed a two length lead. At the finish Soho Changeling finished too strongly for Millwood Brandy,winning the $20,000 Clipsal Fillies and Mares M0 to M2 Pace by a neck from Millwood Brandy in 1:58.2, with Parisian Partygirl 10m away in third. The win was the 9th for Soho Changeling and she has 23 places for just under $89,000.

Bred by Robert Watson, Soho Changeling has now won just over $69,000 from 8 wins and 19 places. Soho Changeling is one of two winners produced by her dam Country Change (Village Jasper) 1:56.8 11 wins $95,383 in stakes, who is a daughter of the unraced Millie Bucks (Whats Next). Millie Bucks produced 6 winners including top winning mare Adayspay (Bright As Day) 1:57.9 19 wins $134,594 in stakes who in turn is the dam of 4 winners including Money Twitch (Life Sign) 1:52.6 41 wins $563,777. Millie Bucks is a daughter of 1987 NSW Oaks winner Big Bucks (Noodlum) 1:58.3 $70,009 who produced 7 winners and is the granddam of 2013 Diamond Classic winner Highest Royalty (Allamerican Ingot) 1:59.7 $74,010 and Group 2 winning filly Spicey Hot (Classic Garry) 1:59.6 12 wins $149,508.

Starting inside the back line with the very short priced favourite Scotlynn Beach starting in 1, 7yo gelding Suspicious Life (Life Sign out of Anabolic Elle by Christian Cullen) was probably expecting to have the sit behind the race leader. However, Scotlynn Beach was beaten for speed by second favourite Ultimate Major who had started from 2, with the race now taking on a different complexion. Over the sprint journey there were some misguided moves in the very fast 27.9 first quarter, but the end result was no change to race positions with Ultimate Major in front, Northern Emperor in the breeze, Scotlynn Beach following the race leader and Suspicious Life behind him. Going into the back with 600 to go Scotlynn Beach and Suspicious Life managed to move into the two wide line before Ultimate Major dropped back sharply through the field. Northern Emperor was now leading, Scotlynn Beach chasing and Suspicious Life hot on his heels. At the 100m Scotlynn Beach got to Northern Emperor but Suspicious Life was looking very dangerous. Going to the line Suspicious Life dashed away to win the $18,000 NYE at Gloucester Park M0 by 4.1m in 1:55.6, last qtr 28.6. The win was the 8th for Suspicious Life who also has 5 places in his 28 starts for just over $57,000 in stakes. Suspicious Life has had a very interrupted career with his last win in September 2016 followed by 20 month absence, then another break from July to September before resuming in October.

Bred by Mike Howie, Suspicious Life is one of three winners out of Anabolic Elle who won 6 races in her career and $24,821. Anabolic Elle is one of five winners from her dam Our Matronella (Smooth Fella) 2:02.5, winner of 8 races and $20,299.

With recent good results and champion reinsman Chris Lewis on board, 8yo gelding Sir Nicholas (The Bantam out of Interceptress by Armbro Intercept) was not out of it even though his barrier 7 was not the best. Moving forward out of the barrier, Sir Nicholas settled quickly into the one-two in the 1730m race, with Majorlicious going straight to the front from 1 and Be On Guard from 2 sitting behind him. In the back straight the last time Athabascan moved out from the one-one to chase the leaders, with Sir Nicholas following closely. Off the back straight the breeze horse Lavros Vance was fading, giving space for Athabascan to drop into the one wide line. Coming round the home turn Majorlicious led from Athabascan, but Sir Nicholas was now three wide and running on. Majorlicious fought on well but it was an overdue and deserved win for Sir Nicholas in the $18,000 Italian Fireworks Night, rating a lifetime best of 1:56 over the 1730m journey and bringing up his 10th win for $73,655 in stakes.

Bred and owned by Robin Arnold and trained by long time breeder Bruce Lovett, Sir Nicholas is the second winner out of race winner Interceptress (Armbro Intercept) 1:58.7 $29,691. Note the sire of Sir Nicholas is The Bantam (Caprock) who was owned by Robin and Bruce and trained by Bruce for 10 wins and $72,077 in stakes. Interceptress is one of 5 winners produced by her winning dam Gold Future (Marshall Dares). Gold Future is a half sister to a very good racehorse in the 80s in Hey Maybe (Romeo Hanover) 1:56.7 $106,698, champion New Zealand trotter Even Speed (Great Evander) 2:00.2 37 wins $236,938, and Diamonds And Lace (Judge Hanover) the dam of Group winning mare Flames And Flowers (No Fission) 1:54.4 39 wins $254,558.

IT'S GETTING WARMER

(12 October 2018) It's definitely hotting up. Two Rocknroll Hanover stallions won on the night - King Of Swing on his way to the Golden Nugget and Rocknroll Lincoln won the Fred Doy Memorial. It was also a great performance from mare Eden Franco (Christian Cullen) to run to sub 28 second quarters to beat former Golden Slipper winner Mitch Maguire, and almost 100% US bred mare Dontstopbelievin (Somebeachsomewhere) won Heat 2 of the Preux Chevalier.!

No doubt everyone is enjoying the new $10,500 races and stepping out in race 1 were some quite nice WA bred horses including recent winner and favourite Bhagwan from 1, Liam Neil (who won 3 consecutive races in September), and another recent winner in Destined to Rule, starting from 3 after a scratching. In a reasonably fast lead time 6yo entire Destined To Rule (Shadow Playout of Chemical Romance by Northern Luck) got away moderately and settled 2 back the rails. In the small field of 8 Liam Neil settled one-one after doing some work and Bhagwan led. The first two quarters were just above even time and they picked up pace in the back straight. Up to the turn with 250 to go Liam Neil was first to go three wide, with Destined To Rule moving into his vacant position. Coming into the straight Destined To Rule had swung 4 wide, Bhagwan was hanging on to his lead and Liam Neil was working forward as well. Down the straight it was Destined To Rule with a flashing run down the outside to win the $10,500 Retravision Westbred C5 to C9 by a surprising 1.7m from Bhagwan and Liam Neil, mile rate 1:57.5 last half 57.7. The win was the 10th and with 22 places Destined To Rule has won just under $92,000.

Bred by Steve Johnson and a winner at his very first race start, Destined To Rule is one of three winners produced by Chemical Romance (Northern Luck) who had a racing career of 3 unplaced starts. One of her other winners is the outstanding Bettors Reward (Bettors Delight) 1:54.5 11 wins $198,632 winner of his first 6 starts and winner of the 3yo Westbred Classic, the 4yo Championship and the Manea Classic (twice). Chemical Romance is a half sister to 7 winners including WA Derby winner Trunkey Maserati (Wellwood Hanover) 1:56.4, 22 wins and $273,457. Her dam Ferrari Trunkey (Tarcoola Frost) 1:56.6 won 22 races and $267,527 including the WA Oaks, Breeders Stakes, Silver Bracelet and other Group races. Celevale Trunkey (Massie), the dam of Ferrari Trunkey, produced 9 winners including Ferrari Trunkey’s full brother Trunkey Jaguar 1:59.4 26 wins $142,526. This is a very nice family that has produced a number of other good winners including Trunkey Daydream (Dream Away) 1:58.6 9 wins $108,477 and the mighty tough Skewsy Newsy (Village Jasper) 1:59.1 12 wins $75,893.

After a short break 6yo gelding Thereugo (McArdle out of Janice Franco by Live Or Die) returned to racing with a nice placing and stepped out from 7 as second favourite to Bettor Finish starting in 1. Showing his customary barrier speed Thereugo had the front before they came around the first turn, with Bettor Finish two back the rails behind Ultimate Major. Kyle Harper on Thereugo slowed the field right down until the last lap. With the field flat out in a 27.8 third quarter, there were no changes up front - Thereugo was looking strong, Scottlyn Beach in the breeze and Chiaroscuro one by one. Coming around the turn out of the back straight Scotlynn Beach was trying valiantly, Chiaroscuro was coming three wide and Bettor Finish was taking Chiaroscuro's vacant spot. Straightening up Thereugo was going for broke, with Chiaroscuro coming three wide and Bettor Finish swinging even wider to get clear. Although Chiaroscuro and Bettor Finish ran home well, Thereugo was never really in danger and went on to win the $18,000 M0 Retravision Pace by 3.1m with last qtr 28.1 for a last half of 55.9. The win for the Donald Harper bred gelding was his 16th and he also has 6 places in his lifetime tally of $102,000 from only 38 lifetime starts.

Thereugo is the first foal and one of two winners from WA raced mare Janice Franco (Live Or Die) 1:58 $76,782, who did most of her racing in WA and was owned, trained and driven by Donald Harper in her last year of racing. Janice Franco is a half sister to Franco Jonquill (Falcon Seelster) 1:52.6 11 wins and $107,601 and a full sister to the unraced dam of Franco Jazzman (McArdle) 1:54.7 $101,840. NZ bred Joanie Franco (Talk About Class) the dam of Janice Franco, is out of the Group 1 winning NSW trotting mare Joanie Toliver (Toliver Hanover) 2:05.5 $67,246. The granddam of Joanie Toliver is a half sister to Colwyn Bay, the dam of one of the worlds most highly regarded pacers of all time in Cardigan Bay (Hal Tryax) 1:56.2 $1,000,837. Through a half sister to Colwyn Bay the family incudes Glenferrie Hood (Christian Cullen) 1:52.0 $406,822, Chancellor Cullen (Christian Cullen) 1:52.8 $411,821, Franco Nelson (Christian Cullen) 1:53.1 $867,773, and locally raced mare Bettor Be Supreme (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 $130,750 and her full brother Spanish Armada 1:52.1 $787,470. This is an extensive maternal line and features high class trotters and pacers.

With his previous win in a stand at Northam in July, 8yo gelding Tanaka Eagle (Elsu out of Miss Tanaka by Badlands Hanover), with the prized barrier 1 still looked a good option in the M1 class mobile. Starting favourite, Tanaka Eagle was expected to hold up and lead and did so comfortably, runnig a sedate 39.3 lead time, with second favourite Sunrose Village on his back. They raced that way into the back straight the last time and the pace quickened a little to a 28.9 3rd quarter. Coming out of the back straight Heez About to Rock had hooked out three wide from his one by one position, No More Change was hanging on to the breeze position and Sunrose village was looking for room. Around the turn driver Mark Reed was looking untroubled and heading for the line Tanaka Eagle was doing it well, going on to win the $18,000 Electrolux Pace by a good 6.1m from Sunrose Village, with Heez About to Rock just pipping No More Change for third. The mile rate was as fast as it needed to be at 1:58.4 and last quarter 28.3. The win ws the 21st for Tanaka Eagle who also has 38 places and now $217,427 in stakes.

With a very short priced favourite starting from barrier 1, 8yo mare Kissmecougar (Live Or Die out of Pure Hilarion by Hilarion Star) was probably under the odds at 12/1 from barrier 7. Restrained out of the barrier and with the favourite Qtown Rip Roaring beaten for speed, Kissmecougar settled one out and three back behind Raffaelo. A Bit Ruthless was in the lead and Attack On Command in the breeze. The race was run without change until entering the back straight the last time young Kyle Harper on Kissmecougar made a lightning move three wide to be third at the 400m. Coming around the home turn the race was on, with Kissmecougar still three wide and running strongly, Raffaelo coming wider, A Bit Ruthless fighting back and Qtown Rip Roaring held up by the dogged Attack On Command. In a stirring finish Kissmecougar just grabbed the lead with 10m to go to hold out the flying Raffaelo and A Bit Ruthless hanging on for third, margins a half head and half neck and mile rate 1:59. It was the chestnut mare's 10th win and she also has 15 places for stakes of $76,823.

Bred by Neil Henwood and trained and part owned by Errol Ashcroft, Kissmecougar is the second winner from her dam Pure Hilarion (Hilarion Star) 1:56.9, a successful racemare who won 12 races and over $65,000 in her career. Pure Hilarion belongs to the same family as Silver Bracelet, dual Empress Stakes and Mount Eden Sprint winner and top 70s mare Kiwi Cloud (Eagle Armbro) 1:59.6 $59,775. The sire of Pure Hilarion is a WA bred pacer in Hilarion Star (Hilarion) 1:56.2 $298,394 a very successful racehorse in the early 1990s, winning and placed in group races at 2 and 3 and winner of the WA Pacing Cup in 1994!

J P STRATTON NIGHT

(5 October 2018) It was J P Stratton night and considering what a monumental influence J P Stratton had in both the administrative field and breeding and racing there was a very aptly named (and WA bred) winner on the night. The Stratton was won by Chicago Bull, arguably the best horse currently racing in Australasia.One of the best 4yos racing in Australia, King Of Swing, also won on the night on the way to the Golden Nugget. Along with Shez Turbo Charged in the Mares M0-M1, our girls also did great!

With a nice win in July and a good second a fortnight earlier, you might have thought 23/1 was a very generous price for 8yo mare Forever Remembered (Shattering Class out of Huntress Bell by J Cs Suprimo), especially when the favourite Speed Man was starting in 8 with Forever Remembered in 7. Restrained slightly out of the barrier young Kyle Harper instantly heading for the one wide line and settled one out and four back, just in front of Speed Man, with Glow Bright from 1 retaining the lead and Iceenothink breezing. Speed Man went forward after half a lap to improve his position but dropped back when the front pair decided to step up the pace as Im Master Charlie tried to and eventually got to the breeze. With two laps to go Speed Man took off three wide again, and this time had a lead up from Sightseeing Anvil. This left Forever Remembered last behind Courage Tells, as another runner followed Speed Man. This was a 2536m race though and there was a lap to go! Heading out of the home straight Speed Man went four wide to get around Sighseeing Anvil but unfortunately locked wheels with that horse and was never a chance after that. With the field now opened up, Neighlor two back the fence got into the running line, slightly inconveniencing Courage Tells in the one wide line and Forever Remembered who were both about to make their runs. Forever Remembered quickly moved three wide then four wide at the 400 and was making solid ground. Coming around the home turn Forever Remembered was now six wide with Courage Tells five and Neighlor three wide, all flat out. Neighlor hit the front at the 100 but Forever Remembered was swooping and grabbed the win in the $22,000 Perth Plasterboard M1 to M3 Pace on the line by a head, with Courage Tells in third. The winning mile rate was 1:58.6 and it was the 15th win for the Ashcroft family mare who has also won just over $160,000 and has run 34 places.

This is a real family affair with Forever Remembered owned by bred by Debra Ashcroft, trained by Errol Ashcroft and owned by the Ashcroft family as well as being sired by the Ashcrofts favourite horse, former champion pacer Shattering Class. Shattering Class won 62 races in WA and the east coast and over $800,000, racing against the best horses of the age. He belongs to the same family as Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet) 1:56.3 $173,860 , Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire) 1:56.8 19 wins $91,086 and Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199.

Forever Remembered is the first foal from the unraced Huntress Bell, who was the only filly from her dam Flighty Fiona (Careless Hands) 1:59.1 7 wins $17,890, who was one of 4 winners produced by Lady Louanna (Captain Hook). This is one of the old very successful Adios Stud families which produced multiple winners, the most notable of which was Answer Me (Scotch Dillon).

It was the first heat of the $25,000 Preux Chevalier for the M0 mares, and this season they receive full metro stakes! Driver Michael Grantham was fairly optimistic about the chances of 4yo mare Bettorgrinanbarit (Bettors Delight out of Grin On The Beach by Grinfromeartoear), especially with the favourite Amelias Courage starting from 8. From barrier rise Innocent Affair from 5 scooted out to be race leader, with Bettorgrinanbarit stepping out fairly to settle in the breeze until first Beach Goddess, then Amelias Courage went forward to take that position before the field had passed the winning post. The pace was fairly solid and Bettorgrinanbarit was the first to move out three wide in the back straight the last time to be3rd at the 400m with Amelias Courage a nose in front of Innocent Affair. Coming around the turn Bettorgrinanbarit had hit the front, with Amelias Courage battling on and Sea Me Smile coming wide from 3 back the fence. In the run home it was Bettorgrinanbarit winning Heat 1 of the $18,000 Preux Chevalier easily by 10m, with Sea Me Smile grabbing second on the line from Amelias Courage, mile rate 1:57.1. The win was the 5th for Bettorgrinanbarit, and along with 16 places her stakes are $48,530.

Bred and owned by Terry Ferguson's Seahorse Racing Stables, Bettorgrinanbarit is the first foal from Grin On The Beach (Grinfromeartoear) 1:59.6 7 wins $47,647 who was also bred and raced by Terry. Grin On The Beach is out of the US mare Beach Madam (Beach Towel) who produced 3 other winners and is granddam to multiple winners including Sutter Man (Sutter Hanover) 1:56.7 16 wins $87,315. Beach Madam is a daughter of Madam Madusa (Albatross) 1:55.2 $164,845 who may go down in history as the mare that changed the breeding scene in Australia. Madam Madusa is the dam of multiple winners in the US and Australia including the one and only Fake Left (Cam Fella), the Little Brown Jug winner and one of the greatest sires ever in Australia. Madam Madusa is also the dam of Turn To Stone (Cam Fella) 1:56.6 the dam of Paige Nicole Q (Beach Towel) 1:52 33 wins US$712,801 who in turn is the dam of Teenage Paige (Real Desire) 1:50 24 wins US$379,619, Cue The Paige (Real Desire) 1:49.6 24 wins $326,973 and Samantha Q (Real Artist) 1:53 US$130,597 the dam of Alta Intrigue (Mach Three) 1:56.7 7 wins $113,273. Madam Madusa is also the dam of the unraced Nuclearaccelerator (No Nukes), the dam of Almost El Eagle (McArdle) 1:54.8 21 wins $200,211 and the unraced Theladyisabomb (Presidential Ball) who is dam of WA raced filly Has No Fear (Western Terror) 1:58.1 3 wins $40,175.

With five places from 5 starts since August with new trainer Debra Lewis, 7yo gelding Lot Twenty One (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den) started favourite and after galloping for a few strides and losing position, would have had some stressed supporters. However, with the cool Chris Lewis on board he recovered quickly, settled one-one after half a lap then immediately going round to settle in the breeze, outside second favourite Estilo, for the sprint journey. A slow first quarter followed by an even second quarter gave him every chance and with the pace quickening to 28.9 and 28.2 final quarters it was an easy stroll for a greatly improved Lot Twenty One, who went on to win the $18,000 GP Italian Fireworks Night for the M0 class by 11.9m in 1:57.8. The win took his stakes to $68,823 from 7 wins and 30 places.

Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd Lot Twenty One, an $11,000 yearling sale purchase, is the first foal and one of three winners from the first 3 foals of his unraced dam Bootscootngirl (Parsons Den). Bootscootngirl is also the dam of two very promising full brothers to Lot Twenty One in Americanbootscoota 1:52.5 15 wins $178,495 and Yankee Boots 1:56.9 4 wins $20,586. Bootscootngirl is out Texan Cowgirl (Fake Left) 2:02.2 6 wins $20,645, who is also the dam of 6 winners including Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425, Binshaw Classic winner Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:55.2 12 wins and $115,876, and Texan Jet (Jet Laag) the dam of Anvil Rollover (Artistic Fella) 1:56.1 7 wins $49,585. The unraced Texan Classic (Classic Garry), the dam of Texan Cowgirl and granddam of Bootscootngirl, is also the dam of Madusa Cam (Fake Left) 1:58.9 11 wins $94,162 and Capricorn Cruiser (Kinney Hanover) 1:57.6 17 wins $206,464. Texan Classic is a daughter of Texan Lady (Hilarious Way) the winner of 7 races and $34,153 in the early 80s. She is a granddaugther of Tasmanian Derby winner Heather Bay (Scotty Belmont) who is a full sister to champion pacers of the 60s in Joseph Scott and Valencia Bay.

NICE WINS AND WELL DESERVED

(28 September 2018) Two wins on the night from two very classy girls, Tricky Styx (Jeremes Jet) by over 8m in the mares, and very nice 3yo filly Countess Grace (Bettors Delight) won the open 3yo race. "Tricky no doubt will be heading for the Mares Classic. Our WA winners were also all quality.

Lightly raced 6yo geldingHastalavista (Sportswriter out of Crystal Journey by Sands A Flyin), with 4 wins in 5 starts since resuming in August, rightly stepped out as favourite from barrier 1 and going out fast to hold her advantage, kept the lead without too much trouble. As she did the previous week, Soho Changeling got to the rails to take the position behind the race leader and second favourite Rock Me Over was in the breeze. The second quarter was slow and the remaining field of 8 was content to roll along. The leader was travelling strongly with no moves at all until Gonzos Shadow pulled out three wide just before Trustytrev made his move. For the second week Soho Changeling was pocketed briefly and Hastalavista scooted away as the straightened for home. Running for home Soho Changeling got clear but Hastalavista was well clear and went on to win the Lugarno Gumby Punters Club Westbred C5 to C9 by 3.8m from Soho Changeling with Gonzos Shadow in third. The mile rate was 1:58.2 and last qtr 28.4. It was fifth win from only 10 lifetime starts for Hastalavista, with lifetime earnings just under $23,000.

Bred by Patrician Park and bought at the 2014 WA Yearling Sale, Hastalavista is out of successful race mare Crystal Journey (Sands A Flyin) 2:00.2 11 wins $113,185. Crystal Journey has done exceptionally well at stud with a 100% record from her four winners of racing age including Baptism Of Fire (Ponder) 1:57.8 10 wins $80,716, 3yo Westbred Classic winner and multiple Group 1 winner Mister Jadore (Grinfromeartoear) 1:57 12 wins $267,889 and the icing on the cake with Breeders Crown winning filly Nostra Villa (Art Major) 1:55.1 13 wins $348,870. Crystal Journey is one of three winners from her dam Silky Atom, who is out of Silk And Satin (New York Motoring) 1:59.1 $82,684 who produced 8 winners including Galactic Council (Sokys Atom) 1:52 29 wins $224,444 and Our Hippity Hop (Precious Bunny) 1:53.2 25 wins $231,010. Silk And Satin is out of the US mare Satin Lining, imported to NZ by the Cardigan Bay Syndicate in the 80s.

Resuming racing in August after a 4 month absence, 7yo gelding Argyle Red (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Dekker Diamond by Iraklis) has taken a little bit of time to find his feet under tough conditions. However, he has definitely been improving and stepping out from a good barrier was a welcome change and reflected in him being sent out favourite for the race. Starting in 2 he got a good start, with the old stager Another Vinnie in 1 settling for the sit behind. Young Jocelyn Young was content to slow the race (Jocelyn ended the night with three wins!) and the lead time and first quarter were equally slow. With a lap to go Mister Versace was racing strongly in the one-one behind Sokys Big Bullet. As expected the pace quickened markedly in the third quarter, run in 27.8, with Sokys Big Bullet getting nose to nose with the leader. Coming around the home bend Argyle Red had responded and was now clear of Sokys Big Bullet, with Mister Versace three wide and Overboard Again four wide and chasing. Into the straight Mister Versace and Overboard Again were coming fast but Argyle Red had just enough of a lead to win the $22,000 M2 to M4 Most Winners on a Night Ken Casellas & Stuart Lowe M2 to M4 Pace by a head from Overboard Again who just pipped Mister Versace on the line for second. The mile rate was 1:58.1 with the last qtr in 28.5. The win was the 15th for the Rob and Ann MacDonald bred Argyle Red, who has 23 places and stakes of $178,144.

(21 September 2018) It was Navy Cup night with representatives from the Navy on track to present the trophy to Chicago Bull who is currently one of the best pacers in Australasia, so while he isn’t bred in WA, it is a pleasure to watch an exceptional horse racing.

We did have a couple of nice winners on the night including talented 8yo gelding Bhagwan (Rich And Spoilt out of Serene Dreamer by Dream Away). With three placings from his previous four starts and stepping out from 1, it was good odds at 2/1. Going straight to the front in an easy lead over the 1730m, it looked like a comfortable race for him, until second favourite Touch Of Success thought he would have a real go at the lead in the back straight the first time. The move was unsuccessful but as a result Bhagwan picked up the pace and the first two quarters were then run in under even time. At the 400 Bhagwan still had control and Touch Of Success was hanging on to second. Coming around the home turn Touch Of Success had enough and was dropping back while Bhagwan got a handy lead on the field. Getting a bit tired at the end, Bhagwan went on to win the $22,000 GP Trotter of the Year M1 to M3 by 2.5m from the fast finishing Sunrose Village, who had raced on the leaders back, with The Storm Chief in third. The mile rate was a lifetime best of 1:55.7 with last qtrs 28.5 and 28.9. Owned and bred by N Warren, E Barrett and D McAuliffe, the win was the 14th for Bhagwan and along with 44 places took his stakes to just over $165,000.

Bhagwan is the only foal of racing age from his dam Serene Dreamer (Dream Away) 1:58 $35,820, the winner of 6 races. Van Atom (Sokys Atom), the dam of Serene Dreamer, produced 2 other winners in Cumbria Warrior (Dream Away) 24 wins $105,649 and Dominus (In The Pocket) 1:51 $229,120. Van Atom is out of Going Smooth (Smooth Fella) 2:01.9 $20,535 who is also the dam of Van Ished (Holmes Hanover). Van Ished is the dam of full brothers Van Cullen (Christian Cullen) 1:56 12 wins $82,656 and Easy On The Eye 1:50.7 18 wins $504,180. Going Smooth is a half sister to the dams of Tribute (In The Pocket) 1:54.8 $587,772, Money Magnet (Fake Left) 1:57.2 $306,123, and Meredith Maguire (Christian Cullen) 1:50.2 $302,570. There are several other close up family members with earnings over $100,000.

Starting from 8 at the barrier didn’t appear to have good prospects but you never know these days! After a couple of good places and a win 10 days earlier 8yo mare Alfa Queen (Art Major out of Mabel Rose by Christian Cullen) was restrained out of the barrier and settled last in the moving line, surprisingly behind the favourite Im Stylish who started inside the back line but was immediately moved one wide at barrier rise. Soho Changeling from 3 settled into the position behind race leader Machine Elle. With half a lap done Im Stylish went forward 3 wide but was not making up a lot of ground. In the back straight Alfa Queen moved up behind Im Stylish who was under pressure. At the 400 Machine Elle was still leading well and Alfa Queen went forward 4 wide around Im Stylish who had really done her best. Coming out of the back straight Soho Changeling was under a hard hold behind the leader, the breeze mare was tiring and Alfa Queen was about to hit the lead 4 wide. Into the straight and Alfa Queen fought off Machine Elle with Soho Changeling getting clear and coming hard, but not soon enough, and Alfa Queen went on to win the $20,000 NYE Back at Gloucester Park Fillies and Mares M0 to M2 Pace by 1.3m with Machine Elle holding on for third, mile rate 1:58.5. Trained and driven by Shane Young who also part owns and bred her in partnership, the win was the 11th for Alfa Queen and she also has 6 places for her career stakes of just under $74,000.

Alfa Queen is the first foal out of Mabel Rose (Christian Cullen) 8 wins 20 places $49,039, who was also bred by Shane. She is out of winning race mare Alfa Courageous (Brets Courage) and is a half sister to 6 other winners including Champagne Classic winner Courageous Ned (Life Sign) 2:00.5 21 wins $253,750 and Roadless Travelled (Panorama) 1:58 22 wins $183,666. Alfa Courageous herself is a half sister to WA Oaks winner Alfa Dyna (Massie) 1:59 $95,147, Scanio (The Sunbird Hanover) 1:57.8 22 wins $208,495 and 4 other winners. Travis Arania (Scottish Arania), the dam of Alfa Dyna, was a top race filly and daughter of one of WAs best ever broodmares in Oro Travis.

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

(14 September 2018) A There was an unfortunate incident in the mares race which highlights just why you should enjoy the horses and their racing every time they step up to the barrier. Commiserations to those involved with the mare and the other owners, trainers and drivers in the race. There were four local winners on the night.

With three consecutive country wins leading into the race, 4yo entire Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art) drew the prized one barrier and started favourite. Getting out fast he went straight into the leaders role and a skirmish behind, which caused several runners to take evasive action, resulted in the race slowing in the first quarter as the field reorganised. However, no horses or drivers were at risk and the second quarter was run in better than even time. Im Soxy had been in the breeze since the start and in the back straight the last time was making a race of it as the pace quickened to a 28 flat third quarter. Rock Me Over was just in front of Im Soxy coming into the home straight, with Bhagwan the only other runner near enough. Coming down the straight the diminutive Rock Me Over just had enough to hold out the very determined Im Soxy to win the Sports Daily Tabradio Westbred C5 to C9 Pace by a neck in 1:58.2, last qtr in 28.6. The win was the 10th for Rock Me Over who has career earnings of $108,940.

Lightly raced but always showing some class, 6yo gelding Mister Versace (Bettors Delight out of Prix De Whitby by Life Sign) was a very short priced favourite with the punters after drawing barrier 1. Coming out nicely he quickly settled into the leaders roll then proceeded to slow the race down. Madame Meilland from barrier 9 was wide briefly until going round to take the breeze with two laps to go. The first quarter was also sedentary and with the second quarter in 30 flat it was clearly going to be hard for the backmarkers to make up the ground. First to move was Extreme Prince with a lap to go but they were sprinting hard in a 27.9 third quarter and he wasn’t making an impression on the race leaders. Coming up to the home turn Mister Versace had increased his advantage over Madame Meilland and in the run to the finish he was too strong for the valiant Madame Meilland and went on to win the $18,000 Steelos Bistro at Gloucester Park M1 Pace by 4.1m, mile rate 1:58.1 and last quarter 28.8. The win was his 9th and he has also has 13 places and just under $83,000 in stakes.

Having his third start this campaign after a 6 month absence after the final Kalgoorlie season last year, 9yo gelding Extreme Dreams (Dream Away out of Stage Whisper by Armbro Operative) wasn’t that well drawn in 5 but following the pre race prediction from driver Shannon Suvaljko, came out very fast and went straight to the front. There was a short lived challenge for the breeze position with the result that the first and second quarter were run in even time. With a lap to go the faviourite Swimbetweentheflags pushed out from the rails to get a better position in the running line and the pace quickened just a little. It did not turn out well for Swimbetweentheflags who was then pocketed by the “pushee” who was forced to go forward earlier than intended. With the favourite held up as the field peeled from the back to make their runs, Extreme Dreams was fighting on well in front. At the top of the straight Extreme Dreams was a length in front of the second horse and three lengths in front of as Swimbetweentheflags before that horse finally got clear running. Although the challengers were coming, Extreme Dreams went on to win the $18,000 R U OK M1 Pace by 1.9m from the favourite with C C Chevron finishing well to be third, the mile rate 1:58.8. It was a very poignant win for the connections, and brought up the 14th win for Extreme Dreams who also has 18 places and a handy 4138,340 in stakes.

Bred by Kim Marsh, Extreme Dreams is one of two winners from the 100% producer Stage Whisper (Armbro Operative). Stage Whisper is a half sister to 3 winners out of her dam Lady Rhiannon (Judge Hanover), including Rhiannons First (No Fission) 1:59.4 $28,897 the dam of Maggies Mystery (Artesian) 1:53.8 14 wins $191,796. Lady Rhiannon is a full or half sister to 6 winners including fast class pacer The Die Is Cast (McKinzie Almahurst) 1:57 26 wins $228,250 and Group 1 winning filly Edna Anne (Northern Luck) 1:55.4 $105,811.

With a win earlier in the week, another win a fortnight before that and starting inside the favourite, punters might have missed their cue with 7yo gelding Hillbilly Time (Stonebridge Regal out of Bolshoi Belle by Resurgent Dragon). Starting from 4 at the barrier, he scooted straight into his favourite position leading the field. With no one challenging he set his own pace and after a sedate lead time the next two quarters were in even time. The three wide line started with the favourite Twentynine Twelve making the move to be 4th but three wide with a lap to go. The 3rd quarter was the fastest of the race at 28.8 and at the 400m Hillbilly Time still had the lead with Twentynine Twelve in second three wide and Chuck Norris running third in the breeze. Coming out of the back straight he looked to be under pressure but they still had to catch him. Straightening up for the run home he broke away again and went on to win the $18,000 Tabtouch Better Your Bet M0 Pace by 3.6m from Twentynine Twelve and the hardworking Chuck Norris. The mile rate was 2:00 flat for the 2536m mobile and the win took Hillbilly Time to $63,973 from 13 wins and 15 places.

Bred by Zoe Ellis, Hillbilly Time is the first foal and one two winners from his metropolitan winning dam Bolshoi Belle (Resurgent Dragon) 2:01.9 10 wins $60,053, who was also bred by Zoe. Bolshoi Belle is also the dam of Group 1 winning Allmightyjoelouis (Roll with Joe) 1:56.9 16 wins $98,810. Bolshoi Belle is a half sister to three other winners and her dam is a half sister to Honest Talk (Honest Master) 2:00.6 $25,176, the dam of one of WA's favourites in Zakara (Racy Prince) 1:57 $477,488. There is an extensive list of classic winners from this family going back to the 50s. In the 80s this family produced winners like champion Vanderport (Cute Van) 1:59.1 $285,770 and Golden Nugget winner Vero Prince (Racy Prince) 1:59.7 $166,064. Recent winners include Im A Peregrine (Elsu) 1:56.3 $156,512 and Westbred Classic winner Soho Monza (Pacific Fella) 1:56 $224,150.

A NEW START

(7 September 2018) It's the start of the season and two of the 10 races go to the girls with The Spinster taking out an M1 to M3 in a super 1:54.5 and Im Stylish winning the M0 mares. Good result too for a couple of very consistent pacers.

With a good second at his previous start, 5yo gelding Kerrin Joseph (Somebeachsomewhere out of Like A Dame by Golden Greek) started second favourite despite being in barrier 7 in the 8 horse field. In a great piece of driving over the 1730m race, Chris Voak had Kerrin Joseph in the one-one very briefly until the favourite Tanaka Eagle went to the lead from the breeze in the first 200m then proceeded to run the fastest quarter of the race in 28.4. Cyclone Mitch went from last to take up the breeze in the back straight the first time and Kerrin Joseph again had the one-one, with the second quarter giving the field a breather. Kerrin Joseph went forward three wide in the back straight the last time and by the 400m he was running second. Coming into the home straight he was just in front of Tanaka Eagle who was hanging on tenaciously. In the run home Kerrin Joseph got a length clear but was starting to tire. With the two leaders getting swamped in the last 20m, Kerrin Joseph just managed to hang on by a half neck to win the $22,000 M1 to M3 JPs Sportsbar Pace by a half neck in a good mile rate of 1:56.4. It was the ninth win for the Steve Johnson bred Kerrin Joseph, and along with 7 places he has earned just over $74,000.

Kerrin Joseph has a very famous half brother in David Hercules (Artesian) 1:52.7 39 wins $1,263,159 the winner of the Fremantle Cup, Pinjarra Cup, Village Kid Sprint, multiple Group wins and placings as well as the 4yo Group 1 Breeders Crown for and the 4yo Group 1 Vicbred Super Series. He is one of the very best horses produced in WA. His beginnings might be considered to be moderate by some, with his sire being a WA based stallion and his dam Like A Dame (Golden Greek) a winner of 3 races for a total of $10,312. Like A Dame has gone on to be one of the best ever broodmares, with a 100% record with 7 foals of racing age for 7 winners, including Hugh Victor (Artesian) 1:54.9 14 wins $138,834. Hold Tight(Embrace Me), the unraced dam of Like A Dame, is also the dam of Fake Embrace (Fake Left) 1:53.4 37 wins $240,249, Go By Jet (Whats Next) 20 wins and $91,746 and non winners Prettypretty Woman (Albert Albert), Hotniten Georgia (Albert Albert) and Endless Journey (Die Laughing). Endless Journey is the dam of $100,000 Pearl winner Isaiah Artois (Modern Art) 1:58.3 9 wins $117,351; Hotniten Georgia is the dam of Supreme Royalty (Parsons Den) winner of over $93,000 in her career including the Group 2 2008 $50,000 2yo Fillies State Sires Series; and Prettypretty Woman is the dam of Our Miss Vivienne (Safe And Sound) 1:56.1 13 wins $83,960. Other members of this maternal family include Adda Paternal Suit (Rich And Spoilt) 1:53.6 $256,862, Babyitsu (Mach Three) 1:54.7 $220,104 and multiple Group 1 and 1990 Inter Dominion winner Thorate (King Kallanie) 1:53.9 $1,329,345.

At very nice odds of nearly 30/1, 7yo gelding No More Change (Changeover out of McCleods Daughter by Mystical Prince) surprised a few people with his win in the $18,000 Gloucester Park M0. Starting from the inside of the back line, No More Change settled 2 back the rails with the race leader Ready For Takeoff setting a pretty solid pace over the 2536m mobile. With the first three running in single file, trainer driver Donald Harper made the wise decision to come off the rails with 100 to go before he was covered up by the then breeze horse Gonzos Shadow. At the 400 and with Twentynine Twelve moving up doggedly three wide, No More Change went to a small lead and led into the home straight for the run home. In a slog for the run home, No More Change fought off Twentynine Twelve to win by a neck with the late finishing Mondooley Mach in third in a very good mile rate of 1:59.5 over the longer journey for the M0s. It was the second consecutive win from No More Change with a win 17 days earlier and took his total stakes to $59,814 from 10 career wins and 15 places.

Bred by D and K Walsh, M Leitch and M Boyd, No More Change is the first foal from McCleods Daughter (Mystical Prince) 2:00.9 5 wins $29,934 who was the only filly from her dam Dunbarton Doll (Northern Lights). Dunbarton Doll is one of 8 winners from her unraced dam Zola Budd (Adios Vic) including Michael Leslie(Northern Lights) 1:54 34 wins $228,065. Zola Budd is a half sister to Paavo (Afella Rainbow) 1:57.1 21 wins $312,601, winner of the 1986 Golden Slipper and the 1986 Australian 2yo of the Year.

GIRLS ON TOP

(31 August 2018) A great night for the girls on the last night of the season, with 3yo filly Detroit Lily (Betterthancheddar), 2yo locally bred filly Fake News (Alta Christiano) and 4yo mare Bettor B Chevron (Bettors Delight) all having wins. The last race of the night was the very last race of the season and the last chance for the 3yos to get their Westbred Bonus.

With one win and two places in her previous 4 starts, 2yo filly Fake News (Alta Christiano out of Is She Talking by Bettors Delight) was the short priced race favourite even though the very nice winner Countess Grace was in the race. First time starter Hello Hotshot (Four Starzzz Shark), a granddaughter of a non winning half sister to Taihape Tickler (New York Motoring) 1:57.1 $183,919 and champion pacer Auckland Reactor (Mach Three) 1:52.9 $1,759,374, was also an interesting runner. However, with Fake News drawing barrier 1 against Countess Grace's barrier 8 and Hello Hotshot in 2 it was the right choice for punters.

Out of the barrier Fake News was off and running and went straight to the lead. Hello Hotshot was pacing roughly and settled behind Fake News with Countess Grace out very wide and restraining to last. The first move in the race came from Countess Grace with a lap to go and she moved up three wide as the pace quickened. Coming off the back Fake News was going very smoothly, with her main challengers Countess Grace now out 4 wide and Hello Hotshot pocketed. At the top of the straight for the run home Hello Hotshot got clear and looked the main threat but Fake News had the race in hand and went on to win the $18,000 The Bridge Bar and Bistro 2yo Fillies Pace by 1.5m from the impressive Hello Hotshot, with Countess Grace in third, mile rate 1:59.2 and last quarter 28.5.

Bred and owned by Bev Richardson, Gary Ralston and K Maxwell, Fake News is the second foal and first winner out of the nice race mare Is She Talking (Bettors Delight) 1:55.2 11 wins $81,615 who was purchased as a 3yo and raced in the same ownership as Fake News. Is She Talking is a full sister to one other winner and her dam Sweet Talking Doll (In The Pocket) is a half sister to two winners. The granddam of Sweet Talking Doll is Living Doll (Lordship). As well as this family line, Living Doll is the dam of the relatively unsuccessful race mares Looks The Part (Neros B B), Nardins Doll (Nardins Byrd) and Smooth Doll (Smooth Fella). Smooth Doll is the granddam of Mister Ardee (Jeremes Jet). Through Nardins Doll there have been several high earning winners and Looks The Part is the dam of Lewinsky Franco (Falcon Seelster) 1:51.4 $167,514, Liberty Franco (Holmes Hanover) 2:01.3, Labretta Franco (Falcon Seelster) 1:58.5 $16,127 and the unraced Luscious Franco (Badlands Hanover). Labretta Franco is the dam of Breeders Crown 4yo Mares winner Lilac Stride (Art Major) 1:54.4 17 wins $276,140. Liberty Franco is the dam of 6 winners including Lotana Franco (Falcon Seelster) 1:54.6 $193,050 and Franco Liberty (Armbro Operative) 1:57.7 25 wins $188,099. Luscious Franco is the dam of the good race mare Smile With Me (McArdle) 1:57.7, winner of 10 races including 3 metropolitan races and $80,819 in stakes. Smile With Me is the dam of 2yo Westbred Classic winner To Fast To Serious (Shadow Play) 1:56 $76,490.

With two good seconds at his previous two starts 3yo gelding The Great Dane (Art Major out of Mizuno by Parsons Den) was fairly generous odds of 6/1, although barrier 8 might have had something to do with that. Quite a competitive race as barriers were released and the 3yo filly How Gouda She kept the lead from barrier 1 with race favourite Fight Song in the breeze. After half a lap with the speed backed off a little, driver Dean Miller took The Great Dane forward to the breeze. With 600 to go the very imposing The Great Dane, who towered over How Gouda She, had hit the front and coming into the straight he had a length on How Gouda She with Fight Song now chasing. Racing away in the final 100m, The Great Dane won the last 3C0 race of the year by 8.5m from Fight Song with How Gouda She fighting on for third. The mile rate was 1:59.8. Thw win was the second for The Great Dane and he also has 2 places from his 11 lifetime starts.

Owned and trained by David Young who also bred the gelding in partnership, The Great Dane is the first foal from his dam Mizuno (Parsons Den) 1:56 who was a very handy mare with 9 wins 19 places and $70,597 in stakes. Mizuno started her racing career with the Young family. Mizuno is a half sister to Mohito (Elsu) 1:55.9 $50,878. They are the only two foals produced by the lightly raced Manzuma (Holmes Hanover). Manzuma is a half sister to 7 winners including Fellamore (Happy Cat) 1:53.8 46 wins $316,232.

WASBA RAFFLE RESULTS!

(24 August 2018) Congratulations to our raffle winners. Sincere thanks to Woodlands Stud and Alabar Bloodstock for their support in providing our raffle prizes. Drawn at Gloucester Park, the winners were:

The vouchers can be used on any stallion available to WA or SA from Woodlands Stud or Alabar Bloodstock. The prizes can be sold or transferred, but the mare must be served in WA or SA to redeem any of the prizes.

There was also some excellent performances on the night including a nice performance by 3yo colt King Of Swing (Rocknroll Hanover out of Twist And Twirl by Artsplace) to win the 3yo event in 1:55.5. King Of Swing is bred on the same cross as champion racehorses and sires Rock N Roll Heaven and Pet Rock and should have prospects after the completion of his racing career, especially if he goes on to win the Golden Nugget.

Also back in action was 2016 Golden Slipper winner Mitch Maguire (Sportswriter), winning his first GP race but third consecutive race since returning after a year's absence. Mitch Maguire is another of the entires currently racing who may have interesting careers after the completion of their racing careers.

The very flashy 5yo geldingIm Soxy (Rich And Spoilt out of Forza Di Volonta by Mach Three) had a good night and has had a very good season winning 4 of his 5 lifetime wins. Stepping out from 5 and with driver Ryan Warwick taking the reins for just the second time, Im Soxy settled one out two back after the field sorted themselves out in the first half lap of the 1730m journey. With a lap to go Im Soxy was first to move and headed up the three wide line. Moving forward very nicely, Im Soxy was equal leader at the 400m with race favourite Hes Talking who had started from 1. Around the turn for the run home Im Soxy was in front with Kaptain Kenny chasing after getting out from behind the tiring Hes Talking. But Im Soxy still had plenty to give and went on to win the $18,000 Direct Trades Supply M0 Pace by 2.5m from Kaptain Kenny, in a lifetime best mile rate of 1:55.3. It was his 6th win and including 9 places, took his stakes to just under $47,000.

Bred by Harry Capararo, Im Soxy only commenced racing as a late 3yo. He is the only foal from his dam Forza Di Volonta (Mach Three) 1:58.3 4 wins $19,723, who unfortunately died having her next foal. Her dam Bella Baci (Village Jasper) is an unraced daughter of 1995 Pearl Classic winner (against the boys) Mitemptation (Prince Of Gold) 2:00.6 $123,390, who was retired from injury after only 18 starts. Mitemptation is the dam of 7 winners and is a half sister to 9 other winners including Magic Albert (Albert Albert) 1:57.3 $105,357. This is the family of Ladyship, dam of one of Australasias greatest ever racehorses and sires in Lordship (Johnny Globe).

The last race was another of the 3C0s for the Westbred Fillies. With the favourite in barrier 1 galloping shortly after barrier release, the opening was there for a surprise leader. First, How Gouda She went to the lead from 3 before young Jocelyn Young on 3yo filly and second favourite Zara Whitby (Somebeachsomewhere out of Zerina Whitby by Kinney Hanover) showed the initiative and took on the role. Slowing down somewhat to a very comfortable lead time and first quarter, Zara Whitby and the breeze filly Delightful Shadow were happy with the slow pace until the back straight the last time with Delightful Shadow nose to nose with Zara Whitby. Coming out of the back straight Zara Whitby had fought back and Delightful Shadow was tiring. Running for home Zara Whitby was just too good and won the 3yo C0 Fillies Pace by 3m from How Gouda She who had followed her all the way, and Delightful Shadow 8m away in 3rd. The last qtr was 28.6 and the winning mile rate 2:00.8. Bred and owned by Ed Dewar, the filly now has 3 wins and 3 places for just over $18,000.

(18 August 2018) Another excellent race and great support from Bob Fowler's Allwood Stud Farm to cosponsor the race, which had to be rescheduled after inclement weather forced the abandonment of the original meeting a fortnight earlier.

In keeping with the trend so far, there was a false start, so it was good to see the race finally underway at the second attempt. The clear favourite Parisian Partygirl from barrier 2 went straight to the front, with outsider Gunna Get Lucky in the breeze before they passed the winning post the first time. Lat year's winner Sea Me Smile was one out three back and King Lethbridge Memorial winner Soho Changeling(Art Major) was behind her. It looked like the favourite's race with solid opening quarters of 29.9 and 30.7. Into the back straight the last time, Sea Me Smile started her run three wide and quickly made ground with Soho Changeling right behind her. Sea Me Smile had headed Parisian Partygirl at the 400m with Soho Changeling hot on her heels. Down the straight it was neck and neck until the last 50m when Soho Changeling just had too much momentum and drew clear of Sea Me Smile to win by 3.3m with Parisian Partygirl 10m further away in third, mile rate 1:58.2 and last qtrs excellent at 28.9 and 27.9.

Bred by Robert Watson and raced by Steve and Larry Nelligan, Soho Changeling has now won just over $69,000 from 8 wins and 19 places. Soho Changeling is a daughter of Country Change (Village Jasper) 1:56.8 who won 11 races and $95,383 in stakes. Country Change has produced two winners from her 3 foals of racing age and is a daughter of the unraced Millie Bucks (Whats Next), who produced 6 winners including very good mare Adayspay (Bright As Day) 1:57.9 19 wins $134,594 in stakes. Adayspay is the dam of 4 winners including Money Twitch (Life Sign) 1:52.6 41 wins $563,777. The granddam of Country Change is 1987 NSW Oaks winner Big Bucks (Noodlum) 1:58.3 $70,009 who produced 7 winners and is the granddam of 2013 Diamond Classic winner Highest Royalty (Allamerican Ingot) 1:59.7 $74,010 and Group 2 winning filly Spicey Hot (Classic Garry) 1:59.6 12 wins $149,508.

THE GIRLS DO WELL AND WASBA RAFFLE ALMOST GONE

(17 August 2018) WASBA Raffle first prize American Ideal had two excellent winners on the night, including the triumphant return to racing of millionaire and WA Pacing Cup winner My Hard Copy, superlative after a 4 month break. It was also a good night for the girls with 3yo filly Dontstopbelievin (Somebeachsomewhere), 4yo mare Better B Chevron and 2yo filly Countess Grace (Bettors Delight).

Also triumphant was the winner of the 2015 $100,000 2yo Colts and Geldings Westbred Classic and the 2016 $50,000 Caduceus Classic, and with new trainers Greg and Skye Bond. Five year old gelding Johnny Disco (Jeremes Jet out of Dalmore Disco by Presidential Ball) started favourite from the prime barrier 1 over the 1730m journey and duly won the $22,000 Tabtouch M2 to M4 Pace. Going to the lead from the barrier, Colin Brown on Johnny Disco slowed the pace in the second quarter and with a lap to his biggest challengers looked to be his stablemates Mighty Mr Sharkey sitting in the breeze and El Jacko leading up the three wide line. Coming out of the back straight another stablemate Vampiro started to stake his claim four wide and as they entered the home straight it was Johnny Disco racing away from all except Vampiro who was low flying. As they hit the line, Johnny Disco had just held on to win by 1.1m with 6.4m to El Jacko in third. The mile rate was 1:55.1 and the last qtrs were 28.1 and a sizzling 27.2, making the finish of Vampiro even more startling. The win was the 17th for John and Sue Awcock bred and owned Johnny Disco who also has 16 places and stakes of $281,844.

Dalmore Disco (Presidential Ball) 1:56.7 $101,782, the dam of Johnny Disco, was a good metropolitan winner, with 12 wins and 19 places during her career. She is the dam of two winners from her only two foals of racing age. Her dam Disco Lights (Northern Lights) 1:57.5, 12 wins $75,681 was also a good metropolitan winner and is a full or half sister to 7 winners including Live In Hope (Northern Lights) 1:56.4 23 wins $114,596, Disco Force (Resonator) 1:53.8 27 wins $268,416 including the 2000 Golden Slipper, and Disco Flyer (In The Pocket) $186,313. This is a maternal line with plenty of class, with the dam of Disco Lights being the unraced Madam Butterfly (Windshield Wiper out of Butterfly Trunkey by Batman) who is a half sister to Tailamade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:55.3 49 wins $1,354,978 and Espeshlimade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:58.6 $299,199.

After 7 placings at his last 8 starts you would want 3yo gelding No Wow Factor (Art Major out of Bluegrass Belle by Mach Three) to break through for a win. Starting favourite from barrier 3, No Wow Factor quickly landed in the one one until The Great Dane moved forward to take the breeze. With two laps to go and sensing moves from the rear, Nathan Turvey on No Wow Factor moved out three wide and at the 400m he was running third, still 3 wide. Rounding the turn and still making up ground outside The Great Dane (briefly the new race leader) No Wow Factor was just in front at the 50m and just clung on to win the Cowden Insurance Brokers 3yo Westbred C0 by a neck from the valiant The Great Dane and the fast finishing Fight Song and Delightful Shadow. It was the second lifetime win for No Wow Factor who was purchased at the 2016 WA Yearling Sale.

(10 August 2018) With the WASBA Raffle to the fore at this time of year, it was certainly worth noting the special effort by 4yo gelding Runrunjimmydunn, a son of raffle first prize American Ideal, who ran a super race to win the 3309m Marathon Stand, starting from the 40m mark and running sub 2 minutes. American Ideal mare The Spinster also had a very nice win in the M1 to M3 open mobile. As luck would have it, our second prize in the WASBA raffle, Shadow Play, was represented by two winners, including the very classy Natural Disaster in the second M1 to M3 Pace.

Starting outside the front line, 5yo gelding Natural Disaster (the 2017 Kerry Clarke Memorial winner) started as second favourite after winning at his two previous starts. With some vigorous driving behind the race favourite Courage Tells from 1 and Extreme Prince from 3, Natural Disaster settled one out and 4 back after restraining slightly at the start. With two laps to go he made a 3 wide move prompting Soho Chelsea from the one-three to also go forward. Soho Chelsea went straight to the breeze and very quickly Natural Disaster then took over that role outside race leader Courage Tells, giving Soho Chelsea the one one. In the back straight the last time the race was on with Natural Disaster moving up to Courage Tells and on the turn out of the back straight Natural Disaster had the lead. Courage Tell was still there as they straightened, but Natural Disaster was in control and moved further ahead to win the $22,000 Today Tonight M1 to M3 Pace by 4.8m from Soho Chelsea and the fast finishing Forever Remembered. The mile rate was a solid 1:56.8 and last half 57.1. It was the 13th win from the classy 5yo who has had only 34 starts but has won $146,637 in stakes.

With some very good form behind him, including a 4th in the prestigeous John Higgins Memorial Final at his previous start, Livin La Bamba (Elsu out of Next Fantasy by Whats Next) started as favourite in the 1730m M0 Pace despite his 9 barrier. Dropping back to last after the start, he was 30m off the leader and equal second pick Star Armbro as they entered the back straight the first time. Following the three wide move of Beaudiene Beaufighter with 1000 to go he was hard on the helmet and running fifth with 400 to go. Coming off the back straight Beaudiene Beaufighter had Star Armbro's measure and was now one wide, but Livin La Bamba was scorching around 3 wide. At the 50m he was in front and went to the line winning the $18,000 Home And Away Pace by 8.2m in a super 1:55.9, last quarters 28.9 and 28.1. His career stakes are now $53,833 from 8 wins and 10 places from only 34 starts in a very injury interrupted career. A great result for perseverance. Livin La Bamba has a lifetime best of 1:54.2 after returning from a year's break to win first up at Pinjarra in May 2017.

Bred, owned and trained by Gary McShane, Livin La Bamba is the second winner from the handy mare Next Fantasy (Whats Next) 2:00.2, winner of 10 races and $46,525. She is a full sister to What A Dream 2:01.1 9 wins $37,092 who is the dam of 4 winners including Village Of Dreams (Village Jasper) 1:56.2 19 wins $304,056, Terrific Son (Safely Kept) 1:57.8 15 wins $109,752 and 2004 WA Oaks winner Miss Holmes (Holmes Hanover)1:59.9 7 wins $78,789.

After 3 winners from barrier 5 and two from barrier 9 earlier in the night, barrier 7 didnt seem so bad. 4yo mare Lady Luca (Lis Mara out of Hearty Franco by Artsplace) started at 15/1 with the favourite in barrier 1. It was an unusual start to the race with Soho Changeling in 4 scooting across to the rails to get the lead and then the favourite Waltzingwithsierra going around that mare to be race leader before they had even entered the home straight the first time. Meanwhile with a bit of speed up front and swapping positions, Lady Luca ended up in the one one - exactly the same spot as the week before. They stayed that way until the back straight with the breeze mare Catastrophic Event moving up gradually but under pressure. In a repeat of the previous week, Lady Luca was coming three wide out of the back straight and as they straightened for the run home, she quickly raced up and came away in the run home to win the $18,000 The Chase On Seven Mares Pace by 5.2m from Sheez Edgy who had moved three wide from the rails and was running on very well. The mile rate was 1:58.0 and it was her second consecutive win to take her stakes to $132,015 from 9 wins and 8 places.

As mentioned last week, Lady Luca is one of four winners from her dam Hearty Franco, an unraced Artsplace mare. Hearty Franco is a half sister to 5 winners including 1998 Chariots of Fire winner Franco Hat Trick (Holmes Hanover) 1:52 30 wins $659,210 and NSW Derby winner Franco Heir (Holmes Hanover) 1:56.4 19 wins $392,272. She is also a half sister to the unraced Have A Go Franco (OK Bye) the dam of Threepence (Holmes Hanover) 1:57.3 $253,306 and Ladyship Mile and Queen of the Pacific winner Our Sixpence(Holmes Hanover) 1:51.3 26 wins $613,977. It's always worth noting when a family line excels with a particular sire, in this case champion sire Holmes Hanover.

Finally! a favourite starting from barrier 1 and winning! The second Shadow Play winner on the night was 3yo filly Selenes Silhouette (Shadow Play out of Cleopatra by Village Jasper). Selenes Silhouette got to keep the lead fairly comfortably. With just over 900 to go the Delightful Shadow (also Shadow Play) from the back of the field followed a three wide move by Jovovich. Selenes Silhouette still had control of the race coming out of the back straight but Delightful Shadow was now coming four wide and looking the winner. On straightening for the run home Selenes Silhouette still had a length on the challengers and was fighting back and although Delightful Shadow tried hard, Selenes Silhouette lifted and went on to win the Telethon 3yo Fillies 3C0 by 1.4m in a mile rate of 2:00 flat. The win was the second lifetime win for the filly, who was purchased at the 2016 WA Yearling Sale by her connections.

Selenes Silhouette is out of the unraced Cleopatra (Village Jasper) who is also the dam of Beach Goddess (Somebeachsomewhere) 1:55.8 10 wins $92,730. Cleopatra is a half sister to 4 winners including Safari Breeze (Albert Albert) 1:55.4 16 wins $176,150 and Captain Kalahari (Albert Albert) 1:57.2 $195,926. Her unraced dam Autumn Princess (Whats Next) is a half sister to Group 1 winner and former Grand Circuit horse Tip Top Prince (The Pirates Cove) 1:55.2 28 wins and $226,440.

IN MEMORY OF KERRY CLARKE

(3 August 2018) It's one of our special nights with THE $25,000 Kerry Clarke 4 and 5yo Westbred Series Final, and it was a pretty good night all up. The very nice filly Our Angel Of Harlem went super to win her Fillies event in 1:56, and there were 4 WA bred winners.

Starting a solid favourite from barrier 2, lightly raced 4yo gelding Major Pocket (Art Major out of Elena S by In The Pocket) went straight to the lead as expected in a fairly solid lead time of 37.6, with The Freedom Fighter working forward to get to the breeze. The track was in good condition despite the earlier rain. With very even quarters, Major Pocket had a 2m lead going into the back straight the last time and nothing looking to be a real threat. Coming around the home turn he had a handy lead but was tiring and as they approached the finish line he was just in front of The Freedom Fighter and Extreme Prince, who had both rapidly made up ground in the final 20m. The mile rate was a good 1:57.6 and the winning margin a head. Bred and part owned by Oz West Pacing, it was the eighth win for Major Pocket who also has 13 places from his 28 lifetime starts along with $84,554 in stakes.

Major Pocket was bred by Oz West Pacing's Rob Tomlinson from from very handy mare Elena S (In The Pocket) 1:55 $97,549 who Rob raced after purchasing her from NZ in 2010 Elena S won her first four starts in WA and went on to win 9 times with 20 placings. Unfortunately Major Pocket is her only foal. The femail line predominantly exists in NZ and a number of the fillies were exported to China. However, the maternal line has produced some standouts including Burnaholeinmypocket (Bettors Delight) 1:52.2 $236,923 and the family also includes champion mare Elect To Live (Live Or Die) $535,800 dam of Gotta Go Cullect (Christian Cullen) and Gotta Go Harmony (Christian Cullen) 1:55.5 $205,909.

A special night for WASBA and anyone supporting our local horses making the grade, with the $25,000 Kerry Clarke 4 and 4yo Westbred Final the feature event. The race is run in recognition of the tremendous work to support WA harness racing by former WASBA President Kerry Clarke. Kerry passed away in September 2014 and he was instrumental in getting Westbred only races onto the WA calendar.

A good field came through the heats with top efforts from Saleahs Command and The Kings Assassin to win their heats. Saleahs Command started brilliantly from 6 and got to the front with dazzling speed, with the race favourite Lord Willoughby left in the breeze. Bettors Delight 4yo Kasey John from 2 on the back line settled two behind the race leader on the rails in a speedy 36.2 lead time, especially on a wet night. Lord Willoughby kept the leader honest and with a lap to go The Kings Assassin commenced a run three wide. Tradie from the one-one also made a move in the back straight and coming out of the back straight it was still Saleahs Command but challengers coming. Into the home straight and Lord Willoughby had had enough, with Anvils Rollover and Kasey John looking for room. Straightening up for the run home Saleahs Command was still running very bravely in front, but Kasey John was now clear and running three wide, scooting home to just catch Saleahs Command and win the Kerry Clarke 4 and 5yo Westbred Pace by 1.7m, with Tradie and Anvils Rollover in third and 4th. The mile rate was an excellent 1:57.7. It was an excellent win by Kasey John who had finished second to Saleahs Command in his heat. The win took his stakes to just over $81,000 from 9 wins and 6 places. Part owner Brian Ridley was especially proud to have won a race in memory of Kerry.

Bred by Steve Johnson (who is also a part owner), Kasey John is the 10th winner and 18th foal out of Shes Our Angel (Classic Garry) 2:03.6 $14,326). What a super effort from this mare. Her winners include Nightn Georgia (Safely Kept) 2:00.4 $116,605, Sky Tower (Panorama) 1:58.5 36 wins $241,236 and Jasmin Amal (Sportswriter) 1:55 10 wins $94,974, Shower Of Roses (Albert Albert) 1:58.2 8 wins $37,018 and Shes Elegant (Safely Kept). Nightn Georgia is the dam of Rocknrolla (Grinfromeartoear) 1:57.1 12 wins $287,351, Shower Of Roses is the dam of Reign Of Fear (Western Terror) 1:53.2 17 wins $127,525, and Shes Elegant is the dam of Tightrope (Art Major) 1:53.6 22 wins $196,072 and Somedreamsomewhere (Somebeachsomewhere) 1:56.6 12 wins $74,957. Shes Our Angel is also a half sister to the dam of Nikkibadwagon (Shadow Play) 1:53.9 $161,220 and the family also includes outstanding horses like Menin Gate (Somebeachsomewhere) 1:54.3 $557,258. This is a very long lived and prolific female line.

Not well drawn in 5 as reflected in the betting, 4yo mare Lady Luca (Lis Mara out of Hearty Franco by Artsplace) went forward out of the barrier and after the leaders had sorted themselves out and the odds on favourite Catastrophic Event got to the lead, Lady Luca was very favourably placed one out one back behind second favourite Im Stylish. With even quarters and a 28.7 third quarter, the leading pair still had the race under control with 400m to go. Coming into the home turn the favourite looked beaten, Im Stylish was in front and Lady Luca was coming three wide. On straigtening it was Lady Luca hitting the front after a much better journey, and she went on to win the $18,000 Book A Private Box at Gloucester Park Fillies and Mares Pace by 3.9m from the plucky Im Stylish. The win was the 8th for Lady Luca who has 8 places and $121,134 in stakes which included a win in the 2016 $100,000 Diamond Classic.

Stepping out from barrier 1 was a good start for the last race of the night and 3yo colt Bee Seventeen (Mr Aviator out of Perform Some Magic by Northern Lights) didnt waste the opportunity, going straight to the front. With second favourite Village Benny in the breeze and Bee Seventeen a little keen, the race was run at a very even pace. The leading pair got a break on the field in the back straight, with No Wow Factor moving up well leading the three wide line. At the 400m it was just the three in contention, but Bee Seventeen rounded the home turn in front and went on to win the Tabtouch 3yo 3C0 Westbred Pace easily by 8.8m from Village Benny and No Wow Factor in third, the mile rate 1:58.7 on a wet night.

Owned and bred by Nicholas Taylor, Bee Seventeen performed very well in recording his second win. His sire Mr Aviator was unfortunately gelded due to lack of patronage, and his dam Perform Some Magic (Northern Lights) 1:59.3 $36,709 is a member of a family that has always produced winners. Perform Some Magic herself won 8 races and ran 22 places. She is also the dam of speedy mare All About Pink (Yankee Sensation) 1:54.5 9 wins 18 places $85,450. Perform Some Magic is a full sister to War Of Attrition 1:57.5 15 wins $69,011. Their dam Tactile Magic (Judge Hanover) 2:01.3 $35,422 is a full sister to Beats A Bottle 1:58.2 8 wins $43,954 the dam of Raca Pacer (Classic Garry) 2:02.3 11 wins $58,327 who in turn is the dam of Phar From A Fake (Fake Left) 1:59.5 27 wins $170,716, Gee Whiz Fizz (Fake Left) 1:56.4 35 wins $408,496 and Phar From Over (Armbro Operative) the dam of Artistic Lilly (Artistic Fella) 1:56.8 8 wins $57,738.

IN MEMORY OF JOHN HIGGINS

(27 July 2018) It's Higgins Memorial Night, the race named after one of the thinkers in the harness racing industry before his untimely death in 1994. The Heats are run over a month at different country tracks, culminating in an exciting final.

The favourite going into the race was Simba Bromac from barrier 2, the winner of 15 races and nearly $90,000 this season. At barrier rise, the second favourite Jimmy Mack went straight to the lead from barrier 1, with Simba Bromac racing on his outside and 4yo gelding Tyler Brett (Robin Hood out of Jossies Belle by Orleans) nipping onto the back of the race leader. The field was fairly spread early, but with two laps it was 5 lengths covering first to last. The speed increased to a 28.6 second quarter and went up another notch to 27.6 in the third. It looked to be a race in two with the front pair having a gap to Tyler Brett in third and only Major Pocket and Livin La Bamba making ground. Coming into the home turn Simba Bromac looked to have Jimmy Mack's measure, but Tyler Brett had now picked up the bit and was coming after them. At the 70m Tyelr Brett raced past the two favourites and went on to win the $35,000 Higgins Memorial by 4.7m with Simba Bromac just getting second by a hair from Jimmy Mack with Livin La Bamba a close 4th. The win was the 11th for Tyler Bret who also has 12 places and $81,657 in stakes. The mile rate of 1:56.1 was just outside his lifetime best set earlier this year in what has been a brilliant season for him, totalling 8 wins 8 places and $65,165.

Bred and owned by John Bell, Tyler Brett is by Robin Hood, one of the top racehorses of the late 2000s with wins in the Group 1 Treuer Memorial, Group 2 Cordina Sprint and the $350,000 Victoria Cup, with these victories over horses like Blacks A Fake, I Am Sam, Karloo Mick and Smoken Up. Jossies Belle 2:00.8 , the dam of Tyler Brett was also bred by John Bell and was the winner of 3 races and is a half sister to 3 other winners.

With his best run this season being a 4th in September last year, and coincidentally winning at his previous start in August 2017, 5yo gelding Rabchenko (Art Major out of Lady Parsons by Parsons Den) was not one of the selections for the $22,000 M1 to M3. Going forward from barrier 3, he quickly settled into the one-one behind second favourite Attack On Command and race favourite Bhagwan in the lead. The third quarter was run in 28.5 and there were no moves until the 400 when the three back the fence horse pushed out and Rabchenko moved out three wide to maintain clear running. Coming up to the home turn Rabchenko was making good ground out wide and rounded the turn in second place. Finishing the better, Rabchenko hit the front 30m out and went on to win the In Memory of Harry Moran Pace by a neck from Bhagwan, in a mile rate of 1:58.5. The win took the Kevin and Annette Charles' bred Rabchenko to just over $110,000 from 12 wins and 14 places.

Rabchenko, who set his lifetime best in his win in September last year, is out of the unraced Lady Parsons (Parsons Den) who is also the dam of metropolitan winning mare Where Dreams Grow (Allamerican Ingot) 1:54.7 $103,800. This is the same family as Golden Slipper and WA Derby winning filly Via Vista(Mark Lobell) 1:56.1 29 wins $169,727.

Running a good 5th the previous week in a fast run race, 3yo filly Funky Ole Medina (Allamerican Ingot out of Via Pasadena by Parsons Den) was one of the choices in the In Memory of Laurie Kennedy 3C0 Pace. Starting inside the back line and some early speed up front, it was good driving to come away from the rails and settle one out and two back with the favourite Sheez Impressive in the breeze and second favourite Jovovich leading. With even quarters there were no moves until a lap to go when Funky Ole Medina led up the three wide line and by the 400m was running second then had the lead at the 300m as both the breeze filly and race leader started to tire. With runners moving around the tiring pair there was time for Funky Ole Medina to grab a good break on the rest of the field and she came into the straight 8m in front. Delghtful Shadow and Ownthethrone were finishing on well but no risk to Funky Ole Medina who went on to record her first lifetime win by 5.7m in 2:00 minute flat. The late Laurie Kennedy was special to many people in the industry and it was very poignant that driver Vance Stampalia carried with him a fresh cut rose in honour of Laurie, for the win by the Tony Stampalia bred and owned filly trained by Tonia Stampalia.

Funky Ole Medina is the first foal from race winner Via Pasadena 2:00.5 who is a half sister to 3 other winners. Via Venezia (Judge Hanover) is a full sister to the Stampalia's top Group 1 winning filly Via Valencia 1:59.9 $201,424, winner of the Silver Bracelet, Sires Produce, Triple Crown at 2 and Sires Produce and WA Oaks at 3. Other members of the family include Renascentur (Resonator) 1:58.2 20 wins $169,502 and Renascentrez (Yankee Sensation) 1:58 $34,186.

OLD(ER) AND NEW!

(20 July 2018) A good night for the girls with wins to Majorpride in the 2yo fillies and Amelias Courage in the 3yo fillies, along with 7yo mare Forever Remembered in the Mares race. And it was the third of the 3C0 series for the July August period.

Starting the inside the backline wasnt a bad position to begin, but with the breeze horse overracing and going to the lead and the favourite Dodolicious working hard three wide to get to the breeze in a fast 36.3, 7yo mare Forever Remembered (Shattering Class out of Huntress Bell by J Cs Suprimo) had to settle for 5th on the rails and 9th overall going into the back straight the first time. They were running along solidly and the first quarter was 28.6. At the 400m Dodolicious hit the lead as the tiring The Spinster dropped back through the field. Forever Remembered was well back but starting to weave her way through the field. Coming to the home turn Dodolicious got to a handy lead but she had worked hard during the race. Forever Remembered came into the home straight five wide and absolutely flew down the outside to run past Auctioneers Elsu who had just grabbed the tiring Dodolicious at the 50m, and she raced away to a good win in the $20,000 Garrards Horse & Hound M0-M3 Mares Pace by 4.5m in 1:56.3, with the last qtr 29.8 not really reflecting her last quarter. The win was the 14th for Forever Remembered and along with 32 places she has banked $139,578 in career earnings.

Forever Remembered was bred by Debra Ashcroft, is trained by Errol Ashcroft and is owned by the Ashcroft family. She is sired by Shattering Class, one of WA's favourite pacers of the late 90s/early 2000s and also raced by the Ashcrofts. Shattering Class won 62 races and over $800,000, an incredible amount in those days. He belongs to the same family as Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet) 1:56.3 $173,860 , Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire) 1:56.8 19 wins $91,086 and Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199. Huntress Bell, the dam of Forever Remembered, was unraced and comes from the same maternal line as a very good horse in the 60s in Answer Me.

12yo geldingCelestial Ruler (Life Sign out of Pash On by Stoneridge Scooter) belied his age and with 235 races behind him and a barrier 1 start, he went straight to the lead in the 2536m mobile. With the three wide line forming with 1000m to go, and with the breeze horse racing almost level, it looked to be a challenging affair for Celestial Ruler. However, coming out of the back straight he still had the lead and although it almost appeared that they would run him over in the run to the line, he fought on so well that he went on to win the $18,000 Garrards Horse & Hound M0 Pace by a very tidy 4.4m, at the great odds of 30/1. The win was his 21st and he also has 59 places. Most of his wins have been at Albany, Kalgoorlie and Wagin so it might surprise some that he has amassed a very handy $141,424 in stakes.

Bred by D Brown and K Humphrys, Celestial Ruler is one of 4 winners from only 5 live foals from lightly raced Pash On (Stoneridge Scooter), including Village Ruler (Village Jasper) 1:57.1 $106,820. Pash On was the only filly of her unraced dam The Right Choice (Whats Next) given an opportunity at stud. Surprising when you consider that The Right Choice is a half sister to Main Morris (New Morris) 1:59.6 $145,471 one of the first pacers in Australia to break two minutes, also to Morris Queen the dam of Boom Boom Baby (Pure Steel) and Dripping Diamonds (Maple Lanes Strike). There are many many winners in this extended family.

After a good third a fortnight earlier, 3yo gelding Itsnotova (Mr Feelgood out of Pleasedontstop by Crouch) started second favourite from barrier 11 and in a very competetive start it was three across the track, with Funky Ole Medina getting to the front at the winning post the first time, and Itsnotova settling second last of the moving line. With a lap to go Itsnotova led up the three wide line and wooshed up to the leaders to run past them at the 400m. With a 6m lead heading into the home straight Itsnotova raced away in the finishing stages to win the Garrards Horse & Hound 3C0 Westbred Pace by 12.9m in a super 1:56.3. This was a very good win for a horse that had previously never won.

(13 July 2018) It's Slipper night but there are 9 other races and three of them were won by our fillies and mares, including the first and last race.

The $125,000 Golden Slipper was a brilliant race, contested by one of the best fields of 2yos recently assembled. There were several high quality contenders and it was no easy race. Soho Thuderstruck from barrier 1 and with ace driver Gary Hall Jnr on board went straight to the front and in a little bit of cat and mouse went through the lead time in a slow 38. The filly Dracarys settled in the breeze before firstly Bettor Be Oscar and then Shock Wave took over that role in the first lap. Second favourite Bletchley Park, who started inside the backline, was on the leaders back. The second quarter was a very solid 28.5. With just over a lap to go, race favourite Franco Edward marched up leading the three wide line. Shock Wave hit the front just before the 400m, with Franco Edward still three wide but now running third. Soho Thunderstruck was tiring, holding up Bletchley Park. With 300 to go the opening came for Bletchley Park and the colt was able to move out and start chasing. Soho Tnuderstruck was fighting back and rounding the home turn it was three across the track with Bletchley Park coming hard four wide. In an exciting finish it was Franco Edward followed by Bletchley Park with Its Rock And Roll coming from nowhere to run third in front of the brave Soho Thunderstruck and Shock Wave. The mile rate was a super 1:56 with the last half 56.7 and the last three quarters all under 29. That made it 6 starts for 4 wins and 2 places, $156,477 (he has a lifetime best of 1:54.2). There was a delay while protests from second and third were heard (dismissed). A very bright future for all of these runners.

Franco Edward is another top notch American Ideal sired colt/horse owned by Robert Watson. He is the first foal from the unraced Edinburgh Franco (Changeover), who is out of the three times winner Elisit Franco (Falcon Seelster) 1:57.1 $16,130 and is therefore a half sister to 6 winners including Franco Emirate (Christian Cullen) 1:53.8 $332,830 and Eden Franco (Christian Cullen) 1:54.1 12 wins $115,945. Elisit Franco is out of one time winner Emily Franco(Neros B B). Of course, this is also the family of Eagle Rox (Bettors Delight) 1:55.2 $225,656 and Artemis Belle (Artiscape) 1:56.1 $359,559 (through Lovera by Badlands Hanover out of a daughter of Emily Franco), Franco Enforce (Ok Bye out of Emily Franco) 1:50.6 $593,738, and Little Rascal (Panspacificflight) 1:51.8 $190,006 (through a Live Or Die daughter of Emily Franco).

Stepping out as favourite in race one after being well backed in a fairly open race, 4yo mare Rockin The Boys (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Boys Lie by Badlands Hanover) pressed forward from barrier 2 to take the lead in a fairly fast lead time of 36.4. A Bit Ruthless settled in the breeze from his 7 barrier and second favourite Change Of Address was racing behind the leader. With the next lap just above even time, A Bit Ruthless looked to be making a move entering the last lap. However, Rockin The Boys had the inside running and a little bit of kick to lead into the home straight with the main threat running behind her. Running down to the line, Rockin The Boys was doing the best and was well clear in the end, winning the $22,000 Sports Daily on Tabradio M1 to M3 Pace by 6.3m from A Bit Ruthless with Change Of Address 1.1m away in third. The mile rate was 1:58.3 and last qtr 28.2. This was the 11th win for the 4yo, who only commenced her racing career in Feb 2017 (with a win) as a 3yo. In less than 18 months she has earned $86,190.

Bred, owned and trained by Debra Lewis, Rockin The Boys is the first foal from the lightly raced winner Boys Lie 2:01 1 win $6,170, who is out of Hello Boys (Crouch) 1:57.5 12 wins $89,541. Hello Boys is the the dam of 6 winners from 7 live foals including Kiss Chasey (Yankee Sensation) 1:55.3 16 wins $146,358, Gangbuster (Jeremes Jet) 1:58.7 4 wins $38,855 and Group 1 winner Play The Boys (Shadow Play) 1:56.2 $69,266. Hello Boys is out of the terrific broodmare Boom Or Bust (Kawartha Robust) 2:03 $35,997 who is a half sister to 6 other winners including Party Date (Panorama) 1:56 25 wins and $256,003 and 2007 WASBA Breeders Stakes winner Red Hot Date (Village Jasper) 12 wins $99,730. Party Date is the dam of Bettor Party (Bettors Delight) 1:53.5 37 wins $289,243, Rocknroll Whitby (Rocknroll Hanover) 11 wins $143,947 and 3 other winners, and Red Hot Date is the dam of Hot Fraternity (Art Major) 9 wins $82,774 and 3 other winners. Boom Or Bust herself is a half sister to 6 other winners, and is out of Boom Boom Baby (Pure Steel) who in turn is a half sister to Dripping Diamonds (Maple Lanes Strike) the dam of Golden Goddess (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 29 wins $258,906 and Golden Gears (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 25 wins $336,466. What a nice family.

Bringing up a noteworthy double for breeder/owner/trainer Debra Lewis (winning on Rockin The Boys in race 1), it was another 4yo mare, this time Susie Rocks (Yankee Sensation out of Miss Peggy Sue by The Falcon Strike) who was successful. Susie also started favourite and also from barrier 2 went straight to the breeze. A slightly slower lead time was followed by three fairly even quarters. At the 400 there had been no moves from the front half and the pace stepped right up. Im Stylish hooked out from the one by one to round the home turn three wide but Susie Rocks was going for home and raced clear to win the $18,000 Mo to M1 Mares by 3m from Im Stylish and Sea Me Smile, who sat behind the leader all the way. The last qtr was 27.9 and mile rate 1:57.5. It was a good win by Susie Rocks who had an even later start to her career (July 2017 just before turning 4) but has still managed to amass just under $46,000 from 7 wins and 5 places.

Susie Rocks is another first foal and her dam Miss Peggy Sue is also out of a good race mare in Group 2 winning mare All Colours Flying (Mystical Prince) 1:58.6 5 wins and 21 places for $63,462. Champion mare Miss Booth (Booth Hanover) 1:59.9 14 wins 8 places and $212,952 is the dam of All Colours Flying. Miss Booth won the 2yo Fillies Classic, the Pearl Classic (against the boys) and the Bathurst Gold Tiara, all Group 1 events.

Now for the last, another 3C0 racebut this time for the fillies. With six in the field under 10/1 it was a close contest on paper. Starting from barrier 1, Motor On Jessie (Artistic Fella out of Sheeza Hula Girl by Artesian) looked to be beaten for the lead by How Gouda She but then fought back and took over the running. She kicked back again to hold the lead when new breeze filly Ownthethrone looked to be taking over. All of that in a 37.4 lead time. There was a new breeze filly in Nonchalant Stroll who was caught three wide and moved up to take the breeze. With 900 to go Funky Ole Medina led the three wide line and it was three across the track in the back straight as the field bunched up. Coming off the back, Motor On Jessie was just in front of Funky Ole Medina, who was still running three wide but it had been a hard run. At the 100, Motor On Jessie was holding them out with Ownthethrone coming after her out wide. At the finish it was Motor On Jessie good enough to win by 2.3m from Ownthethrone in 1:59.3. The win was the first for the Ken Feast owned and bred filly much to the all the connections and trainer Chris Feast, all on hand to cheer her on.

Motor On Jessie is out of the four start mare Sheeza Hula Girl (Artesian) who is a half sister to two other winners including Hurrican Dilinger (D M Dilinger) 1:53.8 11 wins $84,242. Their dam Cyclone Rosita (Crouch) is a half sister to Classical Gas (Classic Garry) 1:58.1 $77,853 who is the dam of Gold Bracelet and 2yo Sales Classic winner Fidelius Charm (Life Sign) 1:59.1 10 wins $159,974. This is actually the family of Bonnie Frost (Thurber Frost), one of the champion fillies of the 60s who was unfortunately lost to our breeding when exported for racing to USA.

PREQUAL TO THE SLIPPER!

(6 July 2018) An excellent win by youngsters NZ filly Dracarys in the $35,000 2yo Fillies Gold Bracelet and Bletchley Park (full brother to Bling It On 1:50.8 $1,656,656) in the Golden Slipper Prelude set the tone for the evening, with several very nice wins by some very nice horses.

In excellent form of late with two wins from his last two starts, favourite and 2017 Derby winner Handsandwheels (Mach Three out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art) was expected to lead from barrier 1 and that is exactly what happened. A good lead time followed by even quarters had Handsandwheels making the running and looking comfortable in the role. While there were some valiant efforts from El Jacko who led up the three wide line with a lap to go, and second favourite Lets Chase The Dream who had raced in the one-one, Handsandwheels had an easy win by 2.6m in Heat 1 of the Chandon for the M2 class, in a lifetime best 1:55.9, last qtrs 28 and 27.4. It made it 13 wins and 16 places for the 4yo entire, with stakes of $310,028.

Bred by Mike Howie, Handandwheels is out of Benjor Maddy Lombo (Perfect Art) 2:01.8 3 wins $21,511 whose 6 foals of racing age have resulted in 4 winners including Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven) 1:58.2 4 wins $80,414 and WASBA King Lethbridge winner Maddy White (Lombo Mandingo) 1:56.9 $110,824. Magic Maddy Lombo (Classic Garry), the dam of Benjor Maddy Lombo, was a top broodmare, with 6 winners including Sweet Maddy Lombo (Panorama) 1:59.5 11 wins $106,588, Miss Trickin Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.3 15 wins $230,312, Suave Stuey Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1:49.6 33 wins $587,032 and Soho Madeleine (Bettors Delight) 1:56.8 9 wins $96,803. Magic Maddy Lombo's dam Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper) 1:59.4 $245,449 was Australian 3yo Filly of the Year as well as being named Australian Broodmare of the Year as the dam of Australian 2yo and Horse of the Year in Lombo Pocket Watch, the winner of 17 successive races as a 2yo and the only 2yo to be named Australian Horse of the Year.

It was another good result for the Phil Costello - Chris Voak trainer driver team although at 40/1 a little less expected. 5yo gelding Anime (Art Official out of Anne of Avonlea by Adios Vic), who is also part owned by Phil Costello, started from 2 on the backline and immediately settled three back on the rails, with race favourite Tyler Brett three back in the moving line. Over the longer 2536m it was a solid lead time and even first two quarters. Tyler Brett led up the three wide line with 900 to go and remained three wide in the 28.9 third quarter, making up a lot of ground on race leader Runaway Three. Just before the 400 he was tackling for the lead and coming out of the back straight he took the race lead. However, Anime was also making ground three wide at the 400 and was third coming into the home straight. On straightening, Anime powered over Tyler Brett to come away in the final stages to win the Choices Flooring $18,000 M0 by a handy 5.9m in a very good 1:57.3. The third quarter was the fastest at 28.9, and Anime's final quarter was much better than the official 29.7, when he was five lengths off the race leaders. The win was his 4th and he also has 8 places for $36,249, less than you would expect with such a good performance.

Starting at even longer odds than Anime in the seventh, 50/1 pop Allwoods Rocknroll (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Lilyann Joy by Die Laughing) rewarded owner breeder Allwood Stud with a nice win in the first of the Friday night 3C0 races. These races are set up for 3yos who are yet to win at 3, giving their connections a great chance to recoup their investment. Settling one out one back after a few hundred metres, he stayed in when the three wide line formed with just over a lap to go. Coming out of the back straight, he was still between horses as Bee Seventeen took the lead out wide. Allwoods Rocknroll was looking dangerous though and as they rounded the home turn he was after the leader. Getting to the lead at the 50m, he went on to win the Choices Flooring Albany 3yo Westbred Pace by 1.5m from Bee Seventeen and a further 6m to Itsnotova, rating 1:59 and last qtr 28.5. The win was his third and with 3 places his career stakes are $22,902.

(29 June 2018) What an excellent night of racing with the new talent on show and great supporting races.Last year's Pearl and Golden Slipper winner, the outstanding 3yo colt Jack Mac (Mach Three) also won his 5th race from 6 starts for the season, taking his stakes tally to $243,358. He won by over 15m after previous wins by 17m and 36m, with his only blemish in Australia being a second place to very nice 3yo Bettor Aim. There was also a nice win by Eden Franco (Christian Cullen) by, yes you are reading it correctly, 25m in 1:54.3 last quarters 28.8, 27.6 and 27.6.

We started the night well with a local winner in race 1. Third favourite, 4yo gelding Kasey John (Bettors Delight out of Shes Our Angel by Classic Garry) started from 2 and after an early battle with the favourite Forever Remembered who had the inside advantage from barrier 1, Kasey John forged to the lead. Into the last lap and in the back straight it was a solid 28.2 quarter with the three wide line led by Always Arjay and New World Order making up good ground. Into the home turn it was still Kasey John from Always Arjay and although New World Order lunged on the line, Kasey John won the $22,000 Owners Only M1 to M3 Pace by a head in a lifetime best of 1:56.3, final qtr 28.9. The win took Kasey John to $68,375 from 8 wins and 6 places.

Two out of two. It was the Final of the Lombardo and with her stablemate Dior Mia More starting favourite in barrier 1, 4yo mare Gotta Go Gabbana (Gotta Go Cullect out of Lady Gabbana by Kinney Hanover) settled one out and two back with the race being led, as expected, by Dior Mia More with Millview Sienna in the breeze. With the pace solid all the way, going into the back straight the leading pair were fighting it out and coming off the back Dior Mia More had regained the lead from Millview Sienna. Gotta Go Gabbana was now four wide and going strongly. Racing to the lead in the last 50m, Gotta Go Gabbana won the $25,000 Lombardo Final for the M1 mares by 2.1m with Auctioneers Elsu flashing home for second. The mile rate was 1:56.4 and it was her 10th win, taking her stakes to just over $91,000 which included 13 places from only 33 starts.

Three out of three races! The third race on Owners Only Westbred Classic night was the Owners Only M0 and better stand for country stakes. 9yo gelding Danieljohn (Blissfull Hall out of Aussie Evita by Armbro Aussie) has collected quite a number of country races lately including the Kellerberrin Cup and the standing start Cunderdin Cup from 70m, so his 10m handicap and 14/1 odds looked generous on the face of it. Starting brilliantly Danieljohn had the race lead inside a half lap. That was pretty well it for a horse who has been in excellent form. With third quarter 27.7 and last quarter 28 flat, Danieljohn went on his merry way and won by 7.7m from his stablemate Smo and stand specialist Tommy Be Good. Bred and owned by John Bell, Danieljohn won the 2013 $50,000 San Simeon Classic and $30,000 Harvey Cup, the 2015 $30,000 Kalgoorlie Boulder and has won $306,681 from 34 wins and 43 places.

The first of the $100,000 2YO Westbred Classics, and with three wins out of three lifetime starts behind him, 2yo gelding To Fast To Serious (Shadow Play out of Smile With Me by McArdle) started favourite in the $100,000 Owners Only 2yo Colts and Geldings Westbred Classic. Bred by Ed Dewar and purchased at the 2017 APG Yearling Sale for just $10,000, To Fast To Serious got away very fast from barrier 2 and went straight to the front. Third favourite Its Rock And Roll went to the breeze and kept the pressure up in a 36.5 lead time. The only other horse in the betting was second favourite Shock Wave who was nicely placed in the one-two position. With 1000 to go Shock Wave was flushed out by a forward move from the rear and the three favourites went into the back straight the last time almost nose to nose. Down the back in a 27.9 third quarter the three were fighting it out but To Fast To Serious rounded the home turn still leading. Getting a little bit ahead coming into the home turn it was a race in two at the 100, with Its Rock And Roll tiring from his efforts. A battle royal down the straight with To Fast To Serious fighting back and holding out Shock Wave by the narrowest of margins, with Babyface Adda flying home out wide to finish third. The mile rate was a fast 1:56 and the last qtr 28.9. The win took the very lightly raced 2yo to $76,490 from 4 straight wins.

Straight into the $100,000 2YO Fillies Classic and another good race for supporters of the favourites, with the Robert Watson bred and part owned 2yo filly Soho Interceptor (Art Major out of Aussie Made Lombo by Bettors Delight) stepping out as favourite and getting the win – even thought there was a little delay in proceedings after the race. There was also a surprise before the race, with second favourite Typhoon Tiff a withdrawal during the parade. From barrier 2, Soho Interceptor was in the front after 200m and set a solid pace with a 36.9 lead time. The first quarter was also under 30, and the breather didn’t come until the second qtr. Going into the back Soho Interceptor looked very comfortable, even though there were several moves. Coming around the home bend she looked to be holding the field, but the pressure was starting. Lady Valasca was out four wide making ground rounding the turn, and Delighful Reaction, who had raced on the leaders back, was getting out and coming home strongly. On the line it was Soho Interceptor, just, from Delightful Reaction and Lady Valasca a neck third. There was a long wait while protests against the winner by second and third were heard, but Soho Interceptor was declared the winner to take home her second Group 1 (after winning the $100,000 APG Sales Classic) and taking her stakes to $150,273 from 3 wins and 2 places. Mighty good! Her lifetime best of 1:55.9 was set at Menangle in an APG Heat.

Soho Interceptor is a daugher of top flight multiple Group 1 winning racemare Aussie Made Lombo 1:55.1 $578,456. Aussie Made Lombo is herself a daughter of one of Australia's best ever race mares in Tailamade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:55.3 49 wins $1,354,978. Tailamade Lombo won 6 races in a row as a 2yo including two Group 1s - the 2yo Fillies Classic at Gloucester Park and the APG 2yo Fillies Final. She won 16 races as a 3yo, including three Oaks and two Derbies. Tailamade Lombo is out of the Bob Humphries bred Butterfly Trunkey, the 2001 Australian Broodmare of the Year.!

SEVEN WINNERS THIS TIME - HOWZAT!

(22 June 2018) Another super night of racing to showcase our WA product, with the 2yo Westsired, the 3yo Westbred Classics and a strong supporting cast in other races. Seven of the 10 races were won by WA bred horses or mares!!!!!

And she does it again! 8yo mum Eagle Rox (Bettors Delight out of Lovera by Badlands Hanover) started third favourite from barrier 4 in a high quality field that included favourite Eden Franco (from 6) and super performer Lord Willoughby in 7. Early on Eagle Rox was three wide with Eden Franco following, then Eagle Rox moved forward to the breeze with Eden Franco taking over that role with just under two laps to go. With 1000 to go second favourite Lets Chase The Dream was driven hard from the rear to go past the two leaders and take over the leaders role, leaving Eden Franco in the breeze. The pace was now flat out and Eden Franco was chasing hard, Lord Willoughby was still wide and Eagle Rox was behind Eden Franco. The quarter was an astonishing 26.8 leaving Lord Willoughby with no chance, but Eagle Rox was gaining ground at the 400. Around the turn Lets Chase The Dream was in the lead but Eden Franco was fighting back and Eagle Rox coming hard. In a top class finish Eagle Rox won the $22,000 M2 to M4 Intersport Slater Gartrell Pace by 1.2m from Eden Franco with Lets Chase The Dream nearly beaten for third. The win was the 5th from 7 starts this season for Eagle Rox and took her season tally to over $60,000, with a career tally of $225,406 from 16 wins and 8 places.

Next up was the $30,000 2yo Westsired Classic, with 2yo colt Babyface Adda (Rich And Spoilt out of Sonatina by Art Major) running a great race in the breeze to win by 1.7m. Bred and owned by Harry Capararo, it was also noteworthy for trainer Ross Olivieri as it was his 100th winner for the season. Babyface Adda started favourite from barrier 7 and begin well enough to almost take a rails run behind race leader Sheza Spoilt Miss. However, driver Shannon Suvaljko, who has done very well from the Westsired and Westbred feature races, thought better of going to the rails and elected to sit in the breeze. Although it made it a harder run it was the right decision, with the two and three wide lines held up a little in the run home. Sheza Spoilt Miss (Rich And Spoilt) put up a really solid fight to run a third quarter in 27.9 and last quarter 28.6 to just be caught by Babyface Adda in the last 20m, then just getting pipped on the post for second by My Prayer (Renaissance Man).

The win was the third for Babyface Adda in a very competetive year for the 2yos. His wins included a Heat of the APG to qualify for the APG Final where he ran a very credible 6th in one of Australia's best 2yo races.

Sonatina (Art Major) the dam of Babyface Adda is a half sister to NZ 2yo and 3yo Filly of the Year and multiple Group 1 winner One Dream (Dream Away) 1:56.7 $846,467.

Next up, another terrific filly with some great achievements behind her. Last year she won the $35,000 Gold Bracelet and was 4th in the Golden Slipper with trainer driver Shane Young and she has been back with Shane since May 2018. A year since her Bracelet win, 3yo filly Rosies Ideal (American Ideal out of Rosie Malone by Live Or Die) is going just great and after a win at Northam a fortnight ago she stepped out at 25/1 in the $100,000 3yo Fillies Westbred Classic. The start was very competetive as most of these top races are, and by the time they had settled Rosies Ideal was third last, with all the favoured fillies De La Tourbie (leading), Veiled Secret (breezing), Infinite Symbol (one-one) and Lady De La Renta (one out two back) all near the front. The moves started with a lap to go but Rosie was still second last. Coming out of the back straight the leaders were doing their best and Rosie had to go five wide around the midfield. She was making up good ground and coming into the home straight she was still five wide but making up serious ground on the leaders. She absolutely rattled home over the top of another outsider Arma Rich Girl and race leader De La Tourbie, winning by 1.4m in 1:56.7.

Rosies Ideal has had only 14 starts and this was her 6th win for career stakes of $128,287 including a Group 3 and a Group 1!. Owned by Craig and Allan Lynn, and bred by the Lynns and D Trigwell, Rosies Ideal is the only foal from good race mare Rosie Malone who won 7 races (including 3 in NZ) and was placed 14 times for career stakes of nearly $50,000. Rosie Malone was bought by the breeders of Rosies Ideal to race in WA.

Some might have been surprised, but race favourite One Off Delight (Bettors Delight out of Tiger Su by Elsu) is one of a number of WA bred horses coming from the ownership group of trainer Gary Hall Snr. Stepping from barrier 1, One Off Delight won the start in a fast 35.7 lead time. There was plenty of action at the front of the field as several runners tried to improve their position, but One Off Delight held his own. They were bunched up and running five wide coming into the home straight the last time but Gary Hall Jnr on One Off Delight knew what he needed to do to win and One Off Delight scooted in the last 50m, going on to win the $100,000 3yo colts and geldings Westbred Classic by 1.7m from the fast finishing Highroller Joe (bred and owned by Craig Lynn) who had been pocketed behind One Off Delight. This was the 6th win by One Off Delight and took his stakes tally to $101,155.

One Off Delight is the first foal from Tiger Su (Elsu) 1:56 4 wins $19,604 who was trained by Gary Snr during her WA career. Tiger Su is a daughter of multiple Group 1 winner, NZ Oaks winner, NZ 2yo and 3yo Filly of the Year and NZ 4yo Mare of the Year Tigerish (Butler B G) 1:57 15 wins $491,957, who is the dam of 7 winners including Mac Tiger (Mach Three) 1:55.8 15 wins $106,257, Justa Tiger (Christian Cullen) 1:57.1 9 wins $161,589 and Tiger Turner (Holmes Hanover) 2:03.7 2 wins $79,070 who is the dam of All Tiger (Christian Cullen) 1:49.2 29 wins $496,107, Tiger Tina (Presidential Ball) 1:53.8 12 wins $104,877 and winner Tiger Dion (In The Pocket). Tiger Dion is the dam of Twoandahalf Tigers (Jeremes Jet) 1:56.4 21 wins $156,944. One Off Delight was bred by the NZ breeders of her dam P and L Turner and her current part owners G and T Ralston.

The just keep coming!! After two wins from her last three starts since resuming, in form 5yo mare Dior Mia More (Tintin In America out of I Am Special by Live Or Die) was the only one they wanted in the betting. Starting from 3 she worked hard to get the lead in a 36.1 lead time. They all had a breather over the leisurely first quarter and a slightly faster second quarter. Going into the back straight the last time the pace stepped up, making it harder for everyone except Dior Mia More. Into the home straight for the run home there were some three and four wide moves but with the advantage of the inside running and the mid race breather, Dior Mia More went on to win Heat 3 of the Lombardo for the M1 mares by 2.5m in 1:58.3, with the last quarters run in 28.6 and 28.1. The win was her 10th. Along with 5 places her career earnings are just over $77,000 from only 18 starts.

Bred by Brett Coffey and trained by Annie Belton, Dior Mia More is another one of the great yearling sale purchases by Colin and Annie Belton. This was her 4th race start since resuming in May and her third win, for a season tally of over $52,000.

I Am Special (Live Or Die) 1:57.4 $74,744 the dam of Dior Mia More, won the 2009 WASBA Breeders Stakes and other metropolitan races. She is the dam of three foals of racing age, includig a current 2yo, for two winners. Her dam Kelty Star (Caprock), the winner of one race, has produced 6 winners including Chiaroscuro (Art Major) 1:56 9 wins $46,533, the winner of 4 successive races this season from 4 starts. Kelty Star is a full sister to Jillbo 1:53.8 27 wins $272,951, the dam of 5 winners including Jackaroo Bromac (McArdle) 1:52.4 27 wins $235,767 and Juliette Bromac (Art Major) 1:54.5 9 wins $99,546 and granddam of Aldebaran Macha (Mach Three) 1:54.7 17 wins $132,662.

Well thought of after a win followed by a third the week before, 4yo gelding Michael Joseph (Bettors Delight out of Stella Pearl by Live Or Die) started favourite from barrier 5 in the Tabtouch Westbred C5 to C9. Going forward quickly looking for the race lead he settled for the breeze position next to Rockin The Boys. Both drivers were happy to slow the race, with the result that the lead time and first quarter were quite slow. The second quarter was run in even time and going into the back straight Michael Joseph was challenging Rockin The Boys and they were nose to nose coming out of the back straight in a 28.2 quarter. Coming into the home straight Michael Joseph started to pull away and although there was a late rush from three of the runners he was never in danger and went on to win by 1.6m in a mile rate of 1:59.5, last qtr 28 flat for a last half of 56.2.Bred and owned by Robert Sheehy, the win was the 10th for Michael Joseph along with earnings of just over $72,000.

Michael Joseph spent most of 2017 running in Victoria and had his first start back in WA in early June this year, winning at Pinjarra. Michael Joseph is the only foal from his unraced dam Stella Pearl, who is a half sister to Mary Catherine (Art Major) 1:54.5 14 win and $162,972. Their dam Easy Riter (Getting It Right) 1:57.8 5 wins $39,252, is one of two winners from her dam Easy Girl (Romeo Hanover) who is a granddaughter of one of Dr Tom Early's broodmare gems in Star Song (Grattan Loyal). Among the progeny of Star Song was Papagena (King Oro), the dam of 10 winners from 16 foals and one of WAs best maternal families from the 60s and 70s. Members of this family include Centrefold Angel(Legacy Of Power) 1:55.2 14 wins $237,348, Formyeyesonly (Pacific Fella) 1:54.3 12 wins $91,774, Bettor Twisted (Bettors Delight) 1:56.9 $80,548 and promising 2yo filly 2yo Tiffany Twisted.

The last of the night was a good opportunity for those who didn’t quite make it to the Group 1 $100,000 3yo Westbred Classics run earlier in the night. The second favourite Warriors Code from barrier 1 scooted out and held the lead with favourite Allwoods Peacemaker (Changeover out of World Peace by Blissfull Hall), then Lucky Sensation (just pipped the previous week in the $25,000 Westsired Classic) then Universal Major all going to the breeze. The race was run in fairly even quarters, and coming out of the back straight the last time Allwoods Peacemaker eased out three wide from his one out two back position with Lucky Sensation moving out just ahead of him. At the 400 Lucky Sensation had hit the lead with three wide Allwoods Peacemaker coming after him. For the home run Lucky Sensation was still in front at the 100 with a flood of horses coming wide. It was a terrific five across the track finish, with Allwoods Peacemaker just getting the verdict on the line. Owned and bred by Bob Fowler, the win was the third for the lightly raced Allwoods Peacemaker, with just over $23,000 in stakes. The mile rate was 1:58.9 for the $18,000 3yo Colts and Geldings Westbred Pace.

Allwoods Peacemaker is the first foal from his unraced dam World Peace, a daughter of the lightly raced winner Pipe Dreamer (Holmes Hanover) 2:04.2 $5,429. Pipe Dreamer is also the dam of Compact Rocket (Dr Drew) 1:56.8 $103,962. This is quite a prolific maternal family, with the most recent winner of note A Picadilly Princess (Bettors Delight) 1:50.4 $733,842.

BIG NIGHT TONIGHT

(15 June 2018) What a big night with the 2yo $100,000 Pearl Classic Final and both 3yo Westsired Classics. There was also a nice win by Shes Turbo Charged in a Heat of the Lombardo for the M1 girls and a quality win by horse of the future Lord Willoughby.

The Pearl was brilliantly won by Robert Watson's colt Franco Edward (American Ideal) who had a two from three record coming into the race (including scooting around Pinjarra in 1:54.2 at his second race start) and started favourite from barrier 1. In a top race he won by 3.1m in 1:56.4 from a gallant Shock Wave who raced the last lap three wide, and Its Rock And Roll who rocketed home, the latter two running from barriers 7 and 9. It was a top class field, as you would expect from a race that is open to all comers across Australia and New Zealand, as long as you nominate by the due date as a late yearling.

Another top class display, this time from the 3yo Westsired fillies. These fillies have been very competetive this year and this race was no exception. Veiled Secret (Tinted Cloud out of Sheer Royalty by Parsons Den) from barrier 5 was initially caught wide with race favourite Cott Beach going straight to the lead from barrier 1 and Infinite Symbol, now with Greg and Skye Bond, running in the breeze. However, Veiled Secret she just managed to squeeze into the one-one with two laps to go. Thats how they ran until the home turn when Veiled Secret moved three wide. At the 100m it was Cott Beach just in front from a valiant Infinite Symbol, with Veiled Secret looking dangerous in third. Infinite Symbol got past Cott Beach with 50m to go only to be grabbed on the line by Veiled Secret who finished best to win the $25,000 3yo Fillies Westsired Classic in a very solid 1:56.4, last quarters 28.8 and 28.7.

Veiled Secret has been in excellent form with a win at Pinjarra in 1:53.6 just 11 days earlier. She is a very improving filly with 5 wins to her name. Veiled Secret is by Tinted Cloud, the sire of Smoken Up 1:48.5 74 wins $3.6 million in stakes. Bred and owned by Allwood Stud Farm, she is a half sister to Sheer Rocknroll (Rocknroll Hanover) 1:55.9 22 wins $303,715 out of the Ross Torre bred Group 1 winning mare Sheer Royalty 1:55.7 $248,904. Sheer Royalty was the winner of the 2009 WA Oaks, Daintys Daughter Classic and the 3yo Fillies State Sires Series (now the Westsired) for her year, so very appropriate for her daughter Veiled Secret to win the 2018 $25,000 Westsired for the 3yo fillies.

Improving 4yo geldingLord Willoughby (Mach Three out of Amongst Royalty by Parsons Den) was lining up in the $18,000 Princi Smallgoods M1 and better stand with just the one blemish (he ran second a fortnight earlier) on his near perfect win record in stands. Starting inside the 10m line, he galloped for a couple of strides but lost no ground and quickly moved into the one-one with the favourite Bettor Scoot leading. With the breeze horse dragging the moving line right back to the tail, driver Shannon Suvaljko went around steadily to take the running in the breeze with two laps to go. That's how they ran until the back straight the last time when Lord Willoughby showed some stoutness and moved up to strongly challenge the favourite. At the 400m after a 27.5 3rd quarter Lord Willoughby had edged out Bettor Scoot and although that horse fought back, Lord Willoughby deservedly won by a half head from the late finisher Im Master Charlie who grabbed second on the line. This was his 13th win (9 this season) and with 23 places his career stakes are just over $120,000. He has not been unplaced this season from 22 starts.

A very even field of 3yo Westsired colts and geldings stepped out for their race, with the race favourite Lucky Sensation going straight to the front from barrier 1 and Harry Haich (Parsons Den out of Jay Emms Sister by Northern Luck), who started from 4, settling in the breeze. The race was run in even quarters, with the small field unchanged until the last 400 when the speed went on. Harry Haich was moving up on the outside of Lucky Sensation, who still looked to have the race in hand. However, Harry really knuckled down to the task and on the line was the winner of the $25,000 Westsired Classic for the colts and geldingsin the last stride by a nose/short half head. A great result for his connections Ron Huston, P O'Boyle and trainer Vicki Lea with Vicki and Ron purchasing Harry Haich at the 2016 WA Yearling Sale for $5,000 from his breeder Ross Torre's Royalstar Farm.

Harry Haich is out of the one start mare Jay Emms Sister (Northern Luck) who was a half sister to James Matthew (Parsons Den) 1:58.7 12 wins $240,981. James Matthew looked to be a world beater until his untimely and unfortunate death as a 3yo. James Matthew had won 10 of his 11 starts at 2, only missing the Golden Slipper by a nose. He won the Champagne Classic, the Pearl and the 2yo State Sires Series. It was a good outcome for his close relative Harry Haich to be successful in this year's 3yo Westsired on the night of the 2yo Pearl. The granddam of James Matthew and Jay Emms Sister is Line On (Gaines Minbar) who won the WASBA Breeders Stakes, was second in two Inters heats, 3rd in the 1986 Inters Final to Village Kid and beat Village Kid in the Mount Eden Sprint. A very classy mare, and a bright future for Harry Haich.

ANOTHER FIVE WINNERS

(8 June 2018) Definitely is a good month for our WA horses with some lovely wins by some very nice mares and boys.

First up, with the three favourites starting in barriers 1 to 3, the start was going to be important but in the end it was a "no contest" with the favourite Whenmechief going straight to the front. The speed was really on though, with the lead time 35.7 and first quarter in 29.6 for the 2130m event. Not much change for the second quarter either, with 4yo entire Our Zak Whitby (Mach Three out of Zerina Whitby by Kinney Hanover) running one out two back and third favourite Lord Willoughby right behind him. With a lap to go the leader looked to be under a good hold but trouble was brewing with the breeze mare Eden Franco making ground and she headed Whenmechief before the turn out of the back straight. It had been a very solidly run race though and it was now there for the taking by Our Zak Whitby and Lord Willoughby, who were both coming fast three and four wide. Our Zak Whitby had it won on straightening for the run home and he went on to win the $20,000 Cash Converters Pace for M2 class by 4.6m from Lord Willoughby and a brave Eden Franco in a brilliant mile rate of 1:54.9, last qtrs 28.6 and 28.5. It was his third metro win in 8 weeks and took his season tally to $99,505 and career tally to $163,334 from 15 wins and 21 places.

Another good result for the new connections of 4yo gelding Bettor Be Lively (Bettors Delight out of Just Bella by Holmes Hanover) with his second Gloucester Park win in a fortnight. Starting from 2 he settled straight into the breeze position in a slow 38.8 lead time. The favourite was leading so the punters were content. The first and second quarter were also slow so coming from the back was going to be difficult. Picking up some pace in the back straight the last time Bettor Be Lively was running a great race holding second position. With 400 to go the margin was decreasing and coming into the home straight for the run home Bettor Be Lively swept up on the outside and with 100 to go he was leading by a smidge, and in a good performance he went on to win by a neck from Trison who flashed home late. The mile rate was 1:58.6 and last qtr 27.8. The win was his 10th and took his stakes to $90,029. Bred and originally raced by Craig Lynn, he is now under new ownership and training team.

Bettor Be Lively is one of two winners from his dam Just Bella (Holmes Hanover) 1:59 $65,485 the winner of 8 races in Victoria before being bought by Jimmie Howlett and Craig to race in WA. Just Bella is out of Just Ella (Son Of Afella) 2:02.2 $20,340 the dam of 4 winners including Awesome Ella (Holmes Hanover) 1:58.8 14 win $92,945. This is the maternal family of Tactics, one of the best maternal families in Australasia. To add even more value, Just Ella is a half sister to the great granddam of triple Inter Dominion winner Blacks A Fake (Fake Left) 1:53.7 $4,575,438.

After a win the previous week, 8yo mare Eagle Rox (Bettors Delight out of Lovera by Badlands Hanover) stepped out as second favourite (the favourite Lets Chase The Dream was on her outside) in her first start over 2536m this campaign. Starting from 7, she settled second last in the moving line, with Lets Chase The Dream on her back and Tuxedo Tour, in his first start for 14 months, in the lead. With just over a lap to go Eagle Rox followed a three wide move by New World Order. Just over 400 to go and running mid field, Chris Lewis on Eagle Rox moved to 4 wide. With tiring horses in front, Eagle Rox came into the home bend three wide and it was a race in three. Eagle Rox got to the front at the 100m and held out the fast finishing favourite to win the $22,000 Elan Energy M2 to M4 by a half neck rating 1:57.4, making it consecutive wins and her 4th win from 6 starts since resuming. Her earnings are now over $212,000 from a career tally of 15 wins.

Starting a short favourite from barrier 1, in form mare Gotta Go Gabbana (Gotta Go Cullect out of Lady Gabbana by Kinney Hanover) raced out and held the lead from challenger Mileys Desire. Dropping the speed after the first 200m, the field settled and thats how they stayed until the last lap. Auctioneers Elsu made a move and headed the three wide line, moving up quickly to the leaders. Gotta Go Gabbana still had the lead entering the home straight with Mileys Desire running a great race in second and Detroit Lily behind the leader just edging Auctioneers Elsu for third. Thats how they finished, with Gotta Go Gabbana winning the $18,000 Australian Marine Complex Fillies and Mares M0 to M1 by 2.3m in a mile rate of 2:02 over the 2536m, last quarter 27.9. The win took her stakes tally to just under $75,000 from 9 wins and 12 places from only 31 starts.

Bred and owned by Colin and Annie Belton and trained by Annie, Gotta Go Gabbana's dam Lady Gabbana (Kinney Hanover) was purchased as a yearling by Annie and Colin and won over $58,000 in her career. Lady Gabbana is out of the unraced Whitbys Beach Babe (Beach Towel), who is a half sister to Whitbys Magic (Magic Fella) 1:58.2 13 wins $115,939 and 3 other winners. The dam of Whitbys Beach Babe is a half sister to the very successful gelding Bow And Arrow (Afella Rainbow) 1:58 15 wins $96,179 in the 80s

Last but definitely not least, 4yo gelding and race favourite Chiaroscuro (Art Major out of Kelty Star by Caprock) took full advantage of the three scratchings on his inside and went straight to the lead

from barrier 3. The lead time was solid at 36.7 and after a breather in the first quarter the pace stepped up with two even quarters. With second favourite Handsandwheels running forward and back in the breeze, the pace was really on in the last quarter and showing the benefit of good driving and the inside running to go with the 27.1 quarter, Chiaroscuro won the C5 to C9 Westbred easing by 9.7m in his career best mile rate of 1:56.

Purchased from the 2015 Yearling Sale from breeder Kody Charles, Chiaroscuro is having his best season so far, winning just over $30,000 for the season from 6 wins, with his career tally a handy $46,533 from 9 wins. His dam Kelty Star won one race and just under $6,000. She is the dam of 6 winners including I Am Special (Live Or Die) 1:57.4 6 wins $74,744 the dam of the very good Dior Mia More (Tintin In America) 1:53.2 (in her first ever race start) 10 wins $77,706. Kelty Star is also a full sister to Jillbo 1:53.8 27 wins $272,951 who is the dam of 5 winners including Jackaroo Bromac (McArdle) 1:52.4 27 wins $235,767 and Juliette Bromac (Art Major) 1:54.5 9 wins $99,546.

WASBA COUNTRY OAKS

(2 June 2018) A very close and exciting finish was the result in the rescheduled $25,000 WASBA Country Oaks, with the two favourites fighting out the finish in what was a cat and mouse race. Race favourite Cott Beach (Advance Attack out of Back In The Black by Armbro Operative) started in 6 with second favourite De La Tourbie in 5. Cott Beach settled last in running while De La Tourbie settled in the one-one before the field reorganised to single file. With a lap to go De La Tourbie, who was third last, led up the two wide line with Cott Beach following. They moved three wide in the back straight as other runners made moves and coming round the bend for the run home it turned into a real battle between the De La Tourbie who had hit the lead out wide, and Cott Beach (Advance Attack). Cott Beach had to fight hard to wear down De La Tourbie and the winner was decided in a photo finish with Cott Beach in front by the smallest of margins. The Oaks journey was run in 2:01.6 mile rate with the last half a slick 57.2. It was a great effort from both fillies. Congratulations to owner "breeders" Peter King and Barbara Pellick (who purchased Cott Beach's dam Back In The Black in foal), trainer Kristy Elson and driver Nathan Turvey on the win.

Back In The Black (Armbro Operative) 1:58.1 was a winner of 7 races and was placed 18 times for stakes of $58,780. She is a daughter of prolific winner Black And Blue (Northern Lights) 1:57.2 17 wins 21 places and $212,495, winner of the Daintys Daughter 3yo Fillies Classic, the State Sires Classic for 3yo fillies and the 4 and 5yo Championship. Black And Blue is a daughter of the exceptional Bonnie Blue Eyes (Golden Greek) 1:56.9,12 wins $87,565 who was the dam of 8 winners including fast class WA pacer No Blue Manna (Mystical Prince) 1:56.6 41 wins $628,157, Baby Blues (Safely Kept) 1:56.3 14 wins and $115,032 and Big Blue Eyes (Red River Hanover) the dam of Three Bears (Bettors Delight) 1:53.6 $127,501.

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

(1 June 2018) Definitely a good night for the fillies and mares with races with stakes over $150,000 in stakes going to the girls. NZ mare She Could Be Good (Well Said) won her third race in a row and two of our WA bred mares were successful. The feature was the $100,000 Diamond Classic, which was a fantastic effort by WA bred filly Typhoon Tiff (Bettors Delight) but the spoils went to NZ bred filly Major Pride (Art Major out of Pride N Joy by Mach Three). Purchased for $15,000 at the 2017 NZ Premier Yearling Sale by Justin Prentice for stable clients, the filly won by a neck from Typhoon Tiff and Westsired filly My Prayer (Renaissance Man) in third. Typhoon Tiff was three wide for nearly a lap before getting to the breeze, with Major Pride starting from barrier 1 enjoying the leaders role.

It was a special night as well, with an excellent field running for the $25,000 Laurie Kennedy 4 and 5yo Westbred Mares

The first of our winners was the highly rated 8yo mare Eagle Rox (Bettors Delight out of Lovera by Badlands Hanover) slightly out of favour with her number 7 barrier. Initially looking to drop back to the rails, Chris Lewis seized the initiative and went forward three wide to take the breeze position with two laps to go. A 32 second quarter followed, making it a very good decision. The three wide line formed with a lap to go but it still looked like a race between the leader Ardens Concord and Eagle Rox. Coming into the home straight Eagle Rox looked to be levelling but the inside running gave Ardens Concord the lead entering the home straight. Down the run to the finish Eagle Rox was just too good and went on to win by 1.6m in 1:57.7, last half even quarters at 28 flat.

Eagle Rox was the winner of the 2012 2yo Fillies Diamond Classic and was 3rd in the 2012 Golden Slipper. She did not race at 4 or 5 and resumed racing for a short period in September 2015, winning 5 races and placing 2nd twice before another break from racing from December 2015 to May 2018. Congratulations should go to owner trainer Debra Lewis for bringing her back to racing in great form after foaling in December 2016. Eagle Rox is out of the unraced mare Lovera (Badlands Hanover), who is also the dam of Artemis Belle (Artiscape) 1:56.1 19 wins $359,559 with wins including the 2010 2yo Fillies Sales Classic, 2010 Gold Bracelet, 3yo Fillies Sales Classic, 3yo Fillies Daintys Daughter Classic and 2011 WA Oaks. Lovera is out of Emerald Franco (Holmes Hanover) 2:01.9, who is a half sister to the dam of Eden Franco (Christian Cullen) 1:54.5 11 wins $97,289, and closely related to Franco Enforce (Ok Bye) 1:50.6 $593,738 and Franco Emirate (Christian Cullen) 1:53.8 14 wins $332,830.

With five mares under 10/1 in the betting it was obviously considered a tight contest. In another solidly run 36 flat lead time, Bettor Boa from 4 got the front berth from the free legged Catastrophic Event who couldnt quite muster enough speed from barrier 1. The favourite Gotta Go Gabbana from 6 settled in the breeze, third favourite Mary Catherine (Art Major out of Easy Riter by Getting It Right) settled one out two back and second favourite Dior Mia More was one out four back. They got a very slight breather with a 30.8 first quarter but the race was run fairly solidly and the second quarter was under 30. With a lap to go Mary Catherine quickly moved forward to drop into the one-one. In a 28.6 third quarter second favourite Dior Mia More was forced four wide to make her run as Catastrophic Event got off the rails to make her move. Coming into the home turn Bettor Boa was fighting on grimly but had done her best, with Gotta Go Gabbana getting to the lead just before the 100m before a swooping Mary Catherine grabbed the lead and held out the fast finishing Dior Mia More by 2.5m, with Gotta Go Gabbana in third. The mile rate was an excellent 1:56.3. Bred by M Pumfrey and Robert Sheehy and raced by Robert Sheehy, Mary Catherine has had a number of setbacks but has shown brilliance during her career and has amassed $162,356 from 14 wins and 1 places.

Easy Riter 1:57.8 5 wins $39,252, the dam of Mary Catherine, is also the dam of the unraced Stella Pearl (Live Or Die) who is the dam of Michael Joseph (Bettors Delight) 1:55.4 10 wins $72,284. Easy Riter is one of two winners from her dam Easy Girl (Romeo Hanover) who is a granddaughter of one of Dr Tom Early's broodmare gems in Star Song (Grattan Loyal). Among the progeny of Star Song was Papagena (King Oro), the dam of 10 winners from 16 foals and one of WAs best maternal families from the 60s and 70s. Members of this family include Centrefold Angel(Legacy Of Power) 1:55.2 14 wins $237,348, Formyeyesonly (Pacific Fella) 1:54.3 12 wins $91,774, Bettor Twisted (Bettors Delight) 1:56.9 $80,548, the previously mentioned promising 2yo Tiffany Twisted and multiple other winners.

Starting third in the betting from barrier 3, 5yo gelding Fanci A Dance (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Fancipance by Fake Left) initially settled one out one back before going round to take the breeze outside race favourite Back To The Beach. The first and 2nd qtr were an even tempo and with a lap to go Chiaroscuro moved three wide and the third qtr stepped up to 28.6. Coming into the home straight Back To The Beach was just in front but Fanci A Dance was travelling well and grabbed the lead at the 100m, to go on to win the reduced stakes Tabtouch Westbred M0 by 1.4m from the favourite, with Chiaroscuro finishing well to be third. The mile rate was 1:57.6 and last qtr quick at 28.2. The win was the 9th for the Barry and Jimmie Howlett bred Fanci A Dance and took his stakes to just over $51,000.

Fancipance, the dam of Fanci A Dance, was a winner of 12 races in Queensland and WA and won over $40,000 in stakes. She is a half sister to 3 other winners and belongs to the family of foundation mare Pleasant Guy (Adioo Guy), with the family also producing WA Pearl and Derby winner Argent Treasure (Jet Laag) 1:57.4 $398,434 and Touch Me Toes (Our Sir Vancelot) 1:56.6 $265,041.

A PEARL ON A STORMY NIGHT

(25 May 2018) On a pretty ordinary night to be out in the weather there was some very good performances from drivers and horses, with the feature race being the inaugural running of the 3yo Pearl Classic. There was also a good win by top mare Major Reality (Art Major) to take her stakes above $420,000, and a local boy won the supporting Feature the GPHR Members Sprint.

It was a great run by unbeaten colt Jack Mac (Mach Three out of Matavutu by New York Motoring) to make a comeback on such a stormy night with so many expectations. However, he delivered in droves, going to the lead from barrier 2, running a final quarter in 27.7 seconds and winning by 8.2m from a game War Club who chased him all the way. Under the guidance of Barry Howlett, Jack Mac is unbeaten in Australia, with 7 wins. His stakes are $216,974 and his wins include the $100,000 2yo Pearl Classic and the $125,000 Golden Slipper. He now has the Pearl "double". Congratulations to Alabar NZ for breeding this colt and to the Howlett family, with Barry selecting this horse as a weanling in NZ.

On the undercard for the night it was 6yo gelding Vultan Tin running an exceptional time in the conditions. Starting second favourite to Bettors Fire, Vultan Tin burned out from barrier 3 and held out Bettors Fire for the lead in the 1730m GPHR Members Sprint. He was a length clear for most of the race as the rain came pelting down half way through. He went to the line 2m clear and easing down from a brave Bettors Fire who breezed for the race. The race was run in a 1:55.5 mile rate, quite astonishing in the conditions. Bred and owned by Denise and Phil Costello and trained by Phil, Vultan Tin has been a giant killer and has now amassed $333,489 in stakes from 17 wins and 28 places. His Stakes this season alone are $167,575.

Vultan Tin is out of the one win mare Ellevarrac (Pacific Fella) 1:59.3 and $12,896, who was also bred by Phil. Unfortunately there will be no more Vultan Tins, with Ellevarrac dying before foaling in 2015. Ellevarrac is one of three winners from her non winning dam Carravelle (Armbro Intercept) $9,118 who was also bred by Phil. This is a very old female line given little opportunity to succeed until now. The maternal line includes Indomitable (Saab) and champions of the past like Bold Alabar and Sheffield Globe.

Under a new ownership team since March, 4yo gelding and 2017 Country Derby winner Bettor Be Lively (Bettors Delight out of Just Bella by Holmes Hanover) was a short priced favourite in the C5 to C9 Westbred Pace. Starting from barrier 1 after a scratching, Bettor Be Lively went straight to the front from Jailbreak, who started inside the back row. Left alone in front the lead time was an excusably slow 40.1 followed by a 33.2 first quarter before Our Zak Whitby moved up three wide to take the breeze position. The pace increased to a 30 second quarter and then the sprint was on in the back straight with a 27.7 quarter. Kicking away coming into the home turn Bettor Be Liveley went on to win by 2.3m from Jailbreak with Our Zak Whitby tiring a little for third.

Bred by Craig Lynn, Bettor Be Lively has now won 9 times and with 13 places has $77,939 career earnings. He is the first winner from his dam Just Bella (Holmes Hanover) 1:59 11 wins 15 places and $65,485, who raced in NZ then Victoria before being bought to race in WA by Craig Lynn and Jimmy Howlett. Just Bella is out of Just Ella (Son Of Afella) 2:02.2 $20,340 the dam of 4 winners including Awesome Ella (Holmes Hanover) 1:58.8 14 win $92,945. This is the maternal line of Tactics, one of New Zealands greatest female lines that has produced numerous $200,000 plus earners, but the most famous of all would be Blacks a Fake (Fake Left) 1:53.7 $4,575,438..

ANOTHER DIAMOND OF A NIGHT

(18 May 2018) Another good night for the girls with the feature $50,000 3yo Fillies Diamond Classic highlighting a top class field. One of the winners on the night was also a former winner of the Diamond Classic. The night was off and running with a nice win by the Kristian Hawkins trained and driven mare She Could Be Good for stable client Rob Gartrell in an M0 to M2 Mares worth just $8,500 WASBA. Better things to follow.

WA bred mare 8yoEagle Rox (Bettors Delight out of Lovera by Badlands Hanover) stepped out in the M1 to M3 open race and it was another very good effort after her rare unplaced run the previous week. Starting favourite from 3 at the barrier, she settled beautifully in the one-one with Chris Lewis on board. With a slow lead and first quarter, a move from the rear with 1200 to go forced Eagle Rox to also move three wide at the 900m to avoid being covered up. Moving up steadily, Eagle Rox was running third and three wide at the 600m. At the 400m she was after the leader Kasey John and rounding the home turn she was challenging. However, Kasey John had the inside running and got a few metres in front before Eagle Rox ground down that lead just on the line to win by a short half head (otherwise known as a "nose") to win the $22,000 Alltools.com.au Pace in a mile rate of 1:57.8, last half 55.7. Bred, owned and trained by Debra Lewis, it was the 13th win by Eagle Rox and took her career tally to $181,826 including 7 places. It was her third start and second win since resuming this month after an absence of 2 and a half years, which included producing a foal by American Ideal.

In the inaugural running of the 3yo Fillies Diamond Classic, it was Lady De La Renta (Well Said out of Flylika Bird Lombo by Jet Laag) who started favourite from barrier 4 in front of WA Oaks winner Our Major Mama (Art Major) who started at 7/1 (much shorter than her Oaks price) from barrier 6. Next in the betting was Veiled Secret (by Tinted Cloud) who is a half sister to Sheer Rocknroll. From the barrier Lady De La Renta was driven hard to get the lead with two laps to go in a very quick 35.7 lead time. Shannon Suvaljko on Veiled Secret took advantage of a slow first quarter to move from the back into the breeze. Our Major Mama led up the three wide line with a lap to go and in the back straight it looked like Oaks winner Our Major Mama would be the only opposition, with Lady De La Renta skipping to a handy lead and Veiled Secret struggling. Rounding the home turn it was Lady De La Renta by 6m and Our Major Mama still three wide and next best. Lady De La Renta went on to win the Group 2 $50,000 Alltools 3yo Fillies Classic by 8.8m in 1:56.3. With such a fast lead time the last quarters were also quite fast at 28.3 and 28.8. Veiled Secret showed some real fighting qualities to just get beaten for second by Our Major Mama. It was only the 16th start for Lady De La Renta for 6 wins and 4 places and stakes of $104,994.

A very nice double for Annie Belton and again with Chris Voak on board, with 5yo gelding Mister Versace (Bettors Delight out of Prix De Whitby by Life Sign) winning Heat 3 of the Pure Steel. Mister Versace had the coveted one barrier, but conceded the leaders role to the well backed Mista Shark. With a lap to go and the breeze horse starting to over race slightly, the speed quickened into a 28.3 third quarter. Easing off the back of the race leader, Mister Versace was making a little bit of room for himself and coming off the back straight he moved three wide to tackle the leading pair. Straightening up, Mr Versace was coming fast down the centre, raced up to level with Mista Shark then doing the better on the line to win by 2m in a good mile rate of 1:56.5, last quarter 28.1. The win was the 8th for the lightly raced Mister Versace who also has 12 places for $69,121 in stakes.

Annie and Colin Belton purchased Mister Versace ath the 2014 WA Yearling Sale from breeders Ed Dewar, C Plabou and W Grimm. He is out of the winning mare Prix De Whitby 2:01.5 $30,934. Prix De Whitby, by Kinney Hanover, was bred and raced by Ed Dewar and won 3 of her 12 lifetime starts as well as 4 places. She was retired from racing after her 2yo season. She is a daughter of Whitbys Merit (French Chef) 2:00.3 $168,598, who is a daughter of the great broodmare Remit (Out To Win) 2:01.6 $41,121. Whitbys Merit won both the Pearl (an open race at the time) and Diamond Classics, and Champagne Classic as a 2yo. She is one of the very rare fillies to have won the Golden Slipper (1993). She in fact won 10 of her 12 starts as a 2yo, and had two starts as a 3yo before retiring due to injury. As a broodmare Whitbys Merit produced 11 winners from 13 live foals including Aikido Whitby(Life Sign) 1:55.2 1:55.2, 21 wins and $270,328, and Victorian Oaks, WA 3yo Sales Classic and WA Sires Series winner Montana Anna (Mystical Prince) 1:59 13 wins $230,863. Remit produced 8 winners including Whitby Timer (Spring Run) 1:56.9 23 wins $314,899, Whitby Heritage (Maple Lanes Strike) 1:58.8 22 wins $201,758, and twice Australian Broodmare of the Year Fiscal Miss (Captain Hook) 1:59.6 15 wins $53,854, the dam of full siblings Whitbys Miss Penny (Booth Hanover) 1:55.2 32 wins $568,289 and Ace Of Whitby 1:58.8 29 wins $317,289 and granddam of Ima Spicey Lombo (Pacific Fella) 1:55.1 24 wins $483,686.

In sparkling form of late (7 wins and 11 places from 18 starts this season) 4yo gelding Lord Willoughby (Mach Three out of Amongst Royalty by Parsons Den) was the short priced favourite from barrier 1 in the 2503m M1 and better stand. Jumping away well and mustering speed to hold out the challenge from Better Scoot, the speed was reasonably on as Lord Willoughby led the field. Im Rockaria moved out to take the breeze and gave Better Scoot the one-one, while Lord Willoughby continued on his merry way. Tommy Be Good came with a big run in the back straight the last time and the third qtr was run in 28.2. It was a battle in two with Lord Willoughby and Tommy Be Good well clear of the field coming out of the back straight. Rounding the turn, Lord Willoughby was still in front and despite a really strong challenge Tommy could not get to Lord Willoughby, who won the $18,000 Alltools Gift Vouchers Conditioned Stand by 1.8m from Tommy Be Good, with a further 11m to third. The mile rate was 1:58.5 and last half was 56.3.

On WASBA Breeders Stakes night it was appropriate that the first race of the night was the $18,000 Young Guns Standing at Allwood Stud 2yo Pace and was won by the WA bred 2yo gelding Major Survivor (Art Major out of Lite Jewel by Mystical Shark). This was a top class field of 2yos that included recent winners Euphoric Moment, Bletchley Park and Bitcoin. Stepping out from barrier 1 under the same breeder and ownership as half sister Sensational Gabby, Major Survivor went straight to the front and was in control from there. The field was flat tack in the back straight the last time under a 27.7 third quarter and while there were good runs behind him including the fast finishing Euphoric Moment (2nd) and The Lightning Strike (4th), the breeze horse Bletchley Park (3rd) and Bitcoin (held up in the straight) 5th, but all credit goes to the winner in his third lifetime start.

Major Survivor is the third foal and second winner from the unraced Lite Jewel (Mystical Shark). Her other winner is Sensational Gabby (Yankee Sensation) 1:52.4 40 wins $788,831. Lite Jewel is a half sister to Lite Jagermeister (In The Pocket) 1:56.3 11 wins $66,135 and one other winner. Their unraced dam Lite Jade is a full sister to Kliklite (Holmes Hanover) 1:56.7 $156,213, the dam of 8 winners including Top Tempo (In The Pocket) 1:56.5 11 wins $225,513 and McKay (Christian Cullen) 1:55.7 31 wins $236,445. Lite Jade is also a half sister to Philosophy (Bo Scots Blue Chip) the dam of The Court Owl (Tuapeka Knight) 1:57.6 15 wins $476,785 and The Midnight Owl (Christian Cullen) 1:52.4 43 wins $343,578.

Starting a short priced favourite, 4yo mare Gotta Go Gabbana (Gotta Go Cullect out of Lady Gabbana by Kinney Hanover) had to work overtime to retain the lead from the tackling second favourite Chiaroscuro. Once that effort had been thwarted the first quarter was a breather at 32.2. Gotta Go Gabbana was still in charge heading into the back straight the last time and the third quarter was solid at 28.5. Coming into the home straight the runs were coming but Gotta Go Gabbana had the race in hand and went on to win the (appropriately named) Pacing WA and Girl Power In Pacing Westbred C5 to C9 by 4m, last quarter 28.4 and mile rate 1:57.1. Bred and raced by Annie and Colin Belton and trained by Annie, Gotta Go Gabbana has now won 8 times and has 11 places from only 28 starts, with stakes of $61,069.

The feature race of the night was the $50,000 Group 2 WASBA Breeders Stakes and what a race - wouldnt see better anywhere in Australia. Our best mares racing, with the favourite Major Reality starting in 2, Maczaffair (3) and Eden Franco 11 (2 on the second row). Millview Sienna from 1 and Maczaffair burned out and were going hammer and tong for supremacy and the race lead, with Shannon Suvaljko on Maczaffair winning that battle in a scintillating 35.7 lead time (owner Albert and trainer Mike were a little worried at this time!). Then along came Colin Brown on Eden Franco, having given up the one-one behind Major Reality, to take the breeze and give the one-one to Major Reality. With the pressure on, going into the back it was Sheer Rocknroll leading up the three wide line with Sarah Goody following. After a 28.9 third quarter it was these "famous four" across the track coming into the home turn and then Major Reality getting through to make it five across. It was a fantastic finish with Maczaffair holding out the breeze mare Eden Franco by an extremely small half head, with the swooper Sarah Goody running over the top of them a neck behind followed by Major Reality another metre behind and Millview Sienna just another 1.5m away on the fence. The mile rate was 1:55.6, one of the fastest on record even with the race changing from a mile to the 2130m a few years ago. It was an extremely delighted trainer Mike Reed and owner Albert Walmsley who received the trophy for the win. Maczaffair and her half brother Golden State (Big Jim) were bred by Alabar NZ and are out of the non winner Presidential Affair (Presidential Ball). This mare is a full or half sister to 8 winners including Luckisaladytonight (Presidential Ball) 1:58.8 $151,249 and McArdles Chance (McArdle) 1:52.8 17 wins $141,113. Presidential Affair's dam Delightful Chance (Butler B G) 1:57.6 is out of the unraced Missy Lou (Smooth Fella) who is also the dam of Mike Pal (Sokys Atom) 1:52.4 $268,825 and the unraced Miss Sands (Sands A Flyin), the dam of 4 winners including Mr Hasani (Christian Cullen) 1:49.8 $664,736. Missy Lou is a half sister to Christopher Vance (Vance Hanover) 1:54.6 $1,747,167. This is also the family of Surprise Package (Butler B G) 1:52.2 28 wins $848,679, Ricimer (Ponder) 1:51.4 $177,988 and local gelding Brotha Ofa Gangsta.

The last race was worth the wait for breeder and part owner Steve Johnson, with 4yo gelding Kasey John (Bettors Delight out of Shes Our Angel by Classic Garry) stepping out from barrier 1 in the $18,000 Vision Produce M0 over the stayers 2536m. Driving through from the barrier Kasey John was able to hold out the favourite Robert The Bruce who settled in the breeze. After half a lap the favourite got an early present when an early move saw the Skye Bond trained Runaway Three take up the breeze position. No moves until the 300m when Robert The Bruce made a three wide move. However, Kasey John had it won and although there was a late flood he went on to win by 1.9m from Budd Sidewinder and Jasper Casper, rating 1:59.7 last quarters in 28.3 and 28.9. The win was the seventh with 5 places for $54,656 in stakes.

(4 May 2018) Its Gannons night with Valerie and Chris Gannon sponsoring the meeting. The $150,000 Gannons WA Oaks is the feature and what a race that was. The newly named Laurie Kennedy Race For Roses was the supporting feature race and another excellent race with a field full of quality mares. we didnt win the Oaks but we started with some good results.

After a win in January and two in February, the punters were obviously in the know and 3yo gelding One Off Delight (Bettors Delight out of Tiger Su by Elsu) stepped out as favourite. Starting in 2, One Off Delight went straight to the front from the barrier and with the second favourite in the breeze and over-racing slightly, the race was being run in very solid quarters. In the back straight the last time One Off Delight skipped away in a 27.7 quarter. A clear leader on the home turn, he went on to win the $18,000 Gannons Harness Racing Colours for the 3yos by 5.8m in a lifetime best of 1:56.4, last qtr in 28.2. One Off Delight now has 5 wins and 5 places for $35059 in stakes.

Tiger Su (Elsu) 1:56 4 wins $19,604, the dam of One Off Delight had a 9 start career in WA, for three wins, with One Off Delight being her first foal. Tiger Su is a daughter of multiple Group 1 winner, NZ Oaks winner, NZ 2yo and 3yo Filly of the Year and NZ 4yo Mare of the Year Tigerish (Butler B G) 1:57 15 wins $491,957. Tigerish is the dam of 7 winners including Mac Tiger (Mach Three) 1:55.8 15 wins $106,257, Justa Tiger (Christian Cullen) 1:57.1 9 wins $161,589 and Tiger Turner (Holmes Hanover) 2:03.7 2 wins $79,070 who is the dam of All Tiger (Christian Cullen) 1:49.2 29 wins $496,107, Tiger Tina (Presidential Ball) 1:53.8 12 wins $104,877 and winner Tiger Dion (In The Pocket). Tiger Dion is the dam of Twoandahalf Tigers (Jeremes Jet) 1:56.4 $156,944. One Off Delight was bred by the NZ breeders of her dam P and L Turner and her current part owners G and T Ralston.

In the newly named Laurie Kennedy Race For Roses, 5yo mare Eden Franco (Christian Cullen) put on a brilliant front running display to take out the 2503m stand event for the mares by 7.5m in 1:59.1. She started from the 10m line for trainer-driver Colin Brown, burning out to take a clear race lead after 600m. Scooting clear in the back straight the last time, no one was a match for her although Sarah Goody chased hard and CC Chevron and Maczaffair made up good ground in the straight to fill the placings. It was the first loss by Maczaffair in 5 starts.

In a surprise result (it has to be a surprise when the winner is 140/1 and the driver is so delighted after the event) 3yo filly Our Major Mama (Art Major) came with a late run to take the jewel of the $150,000 Gannons WA Oaks. With some up and down form but a win in April, she was selected in the 12 but then drew very unfavourably at 8. Some shrewd driving from trainer Justin Prentice had her settling three back the rails, with two of the fancies last and second last and the pace on up front with the breeze filly over racing. They were moving up three wide with a lap to go and runners were forced wide. But that made room for Justin to weave between rivals after a relatively easy run on the rails and the rest is history, with Our Major Mama rocketing home and victory certain 50m from the line. Only 9 metres the first nine, with top runs by Westsired fillies Cott Beach and Infinite Symbol to run 3rd and 4th. What a huge result for the owners, who bought into the filly that Justin purchased from the 2016 NZ Premier Yearling Sale for $32,000. The owners who werent on course really missed out on a fantastic opportunity for a momentous win.

A winner 4 weeks ago then three unplaced runs, 4yo gelding Our Zak Whitby (Mach Three out of Zerina Whitby by Kinney Hanover) still started a short favourite when he stepped out in the $22,000 M1 to M3 Gannons Flags and Banners Pace over the short course 1730m. Starting from barrier 2, he went straight to the front and was never troubled, running the last half in 55.2 and going on to win easily by 7.1m. Bred and part owned by Ed Dewar, the win took him to $147,764 in stakes from 14 wins and 18 places.

Also starting favourite and with impeccable form, 4yo gelding Lord Willoughby (Mach Three out of Amongst Royalty by Parsons Den) lined up as favourite from barrier 5 in the $18,000 M0 Gannons Harness Saddle Cloths Pace. Initially three wide from the barrier, driver Shannon Suvaljko drove forward to the breeze in a slow lead time. The first quarter was also leisurely so it was going to be hard to come from behind. Stepping up to a 27.7 second third quarter they were really stretching in the back straight the last time, and the leader Luis Alberto looked to be holding them. However, coming into the home turn Lord Willoughby was fighting back and at the 50m mark he got to the lead and went on to win by a head. The win was his 11th overall and along with 21 places he has just over $92,000 in stakes for his owner breeder Allwood Stud Farm.

(30 Apr 2018) Great to see such happy smiling faces when their pride and joy greets the judge. That was the story with 4yo mare Soho Changeling (Art Major out Country Change by Village Jasper) who started from barrier 5 with the odds on favourite Gotta Go Gabbana in barrier 7. Driver Shannon Suvaljko surprised everyone by rocketing out of the barrier and getting to the lead, before immediately handing up to to second favourite Susie Rocks, with the favourite having to settle in the breeze. Running a solid race, Susie just couldnt hold out Soho Changeling in the run to the line, with Shannon taking the sprint lane and the win in the $14,000 WASBA King-Lethbridge Memorial Westbred Mares Pace by 1.6m in 1:57.4. This is her 7th win and she now has over $55,000 in stakes.

Bred by Robert Watson and now owned by the delighted Larry and Steve Nelligan, Soho Changeling is out the the nice winning mare Country Change (Village Jasper) 1:56.8 11 wins $95,383, who is a half sister to very good race mare Adayspay (Bright As Day) 1:57.9 19 wins $134,594 the dam of Money Twitch (Life Sign) 1:52.6 41 wins $563,777.

The race was co-sponsored by Allwood Stud Farm, who also paraded their stallions Follow The Stars and Fly Like An Eagle. A great day was had by all!

CHAMPAGNE ON ICE

(27 Apr 2018) With one week to go to the $150,000 Oaks and Race For Roses, it was champagne racing and another new winner for an Oaks Prelude, with Betterthancheddar filly Detroit Lily running 1:55.8 to win her Prelude. Chevrons Champion, winner of the Johnson Final for Mares, joined her as winners of the minor feature card on the night along with three other WA bred winners, but it was the Champagne Classic that was the feature, won by an outstanding young WA bred gelding.

It was always going to be hard for the others with the favourite, 2yo gelding Its Rock And Roll (A Rocknroll Dance out of Miss Worthy Whitby by Bettors Delight) starting in barrier 1, and that’s how it turned out. After a brief challenge from the 5 horse Valbonne, Its Rock And Roll settled in the lead. Sangue Reale moved to the breeze with two laps of the 2130m journey to go and the first two quarters were nice and steady at 31 plus. “It’s all happening” in the back straight the last time with a few drivers forgetting these were 2yos and as they cornered for the run home it was still Its Rock And roll in the lead. They couldn’t catch him and Its Rock And Roll went on to win the $50,000 Westral Champagne Classic by 3.2m with the late finishers Itz All About Magic, Valbonne and Babyface Adda filling the placings. The mile rate was 1:59.5 and the last qtr was run in 28 flat. The win was the third from 5 starts for Its Rock And Roll and took his stakes to $107,050.

Its Rock And Roll was bred by Ed Dewar from his US bred mare Its Worthy Whitby (Bettors Delight) 1:59.9 3 wins $40,154. He is her second foal and first winner. Miss Worthy Whitby was bought for $26,500 at the 2009 Victorian Yearling Sale and is out of the imported US mare Spirited Storm (Artsplace). Spirited Storm is also the dam of the unbeaten The Storm Inside (Rocknroll Hanover) 1:54.6 7 wins $222,845. Spirited Storm is a granddaughter of Blue Horizon (Storm Damage). This maternal family is one of the strongest female lines in harness racing Its Rock And Roll was bought for $37,500 at the 2017 WA APG Yearling Sale, with the future looking very bright for his owners Liam O'Connor and Jim Currie.

Starting second favourite after a good effort to place behind Major Catastrophe the previous week, Mister Versace (Bettors Delight out of Prix De Whitby by Life Sign) stepped off well and after an initial tussle for the lead settled for the position behind the race leader Hot Fraternity, who raced keenly in a 37.1 lead time. A couple of slower quarters followed, then with 450 to go the breeze horse Lord Willoughby quickly moved up to Hot Fraternity and had him headed coming out of the back straight. The faster 28.7 3rd quarter left an opening for Mister Versace who then went three wide on straightening for the run home. Mister Versace streamed home to take the win in the C5 to C9 Westbred by 1.5m from Lord Willoughby, last quarter 27.9 and a mile rate of 1:57.7. It was his 7th win and with 11 places he has just over $63,000 in stakes.

Bred by Ed Dewar, C Plabou and W Grimm, Mister Versace cost only $17,500 at the 2014 Yearling Sale and is the first foal from the winning race mare Prix De Whitby 2:01.5 $30,934. Prix De Whitby, who was bred and raced by Ed Dewar, raced only as a 2yo, for 3 wins and 4 places from her 12 starts. Her dam Whitbys Merit (French Chef) 2:00.3 $168,598, was a very classy race mare winning both the Pearl (an open race at the time) and Diamond Classics, the Champagne Classic and 3rd in the Bathurst Gold Tiara. She also won the Golden Slipper in 1993, one of the very few fillies to do so. As a 2yo she won 10 of her 12 starts including the last five in a row. She retired due to injury as a 3yo two further race starts. Whitbys Merit was even better as a broodmare, producing 11 winners from 13 live foals including Aikido Whitby (Life Sign) 1:55.2 1:55.2, 21 wins and $270,328, and Victorian Oaks, WA 3yo Sales Classic and WA Sires Series winner Montana Anna (Mystical Prince) 1:59 13 wins $230,863. Whitbys Merit is herself a daughter of the phenomenal Remit who produced 8 winners including Whitby Timer (Spring Run) 1:56.9 23 wins $314,899, Whitby Heritage (Maple Lanes Strike) 1:58.8 22 wins $201,758, and twice Australian Broodmare of the Year Fiscal Miss (Captain Hook) 1:59.6 15 wins $53,854, the dam of full siblings Whitbys Miss Penny (Booth Hanover) 1:55.2 32 wins $568,289 and Ace Of Whitby 1:58.8 29 wins $317,289 and granddam of Ima Spicey Lombo (Pacific Fella) 1:55.1 24 wins $483,686.

After a couple of weeks off and a successful standing start trial, 6yo gelding Vultan Tin (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Ellevarrac by Pacific Fella) started at exceptionally good odds of 16/1. Stepping out from 2, Chris Voak took the chance to go for the lead when the favourite Bettors Fire missed the start slightly. Vultan Tin doesnt lead often but he looked pretty comfortable in front, with Bettors Fire in the one one behind Our Jimmy Johnstone. With a lap to go the three wide line formed but they had to work hard when Vultan Tin stepped up the pace to a 27.9 quarter. At the 400 they were four wide but he still had their measure. Around the home turn our Jimmy Johnstone was gaining but Vultan Tin with the inside running was too hard to run down and went on to win the $25,000 Westral Timber Blinds Pace for M0 and better by a half neck in 1:55.8, last quarter 28 flat. The win added to a super season for the Phil and Denise Costello owned and bred gelding, making it $316,681 in career stakes from 16 wins and 28 places. Vultan Tin has now won over $150,000 for the season, following his successful 2016/17 season in which he won over $110,000.

Vultan Tin is trained by Phil, who also bred his dam Ellevarrac (Pacific Fella) 1:59.3 $12,896 and granddam Carravelle (Armbro Intercept). This is a very old female line and members of one of the other arms of the family include Indomitable Saab (Saab) 1:55.8 $154,491 and Indomitable (Saab) 1:53.8 13 wins $133,759.

In good form of late, drawing 1 and with ace driver Shannon Suvaljko on board, it was no surprise that 7yo gelding Khun Ratha (Bettors Delight out of Calafia by Holmes Hanover) would step out as favourite. True to form Khun Ratha burned through to lead in a 36.9 lead time. The second and third favourites Dredlock Rockstar and Bronze Seeker were in the one-one and on the leaders back. A slow first quarter was followed by a steady second quarter in 30 flat so the odds were on a sprint home. In the back straight Dredlock Rockstar moved up quickly three wide and was second at the 400. Coming around the bend Bronze Seeker moved out three wide to challenge but Khun Ratha skipped away. On straightening his lead was 2 lengths and he raced away in the end to win the $22,000 M2 to M4 Westral Plantation Shutters Pace by 8m in 1:56.3, last quarters 28.4 and 27.6. Bred and initially raced by Paul Poli but now raced by Kristy Sheehy and Josh Dunn, the win was the 17th and with 38 places he has earned $181,978.

Khun Ratha has won close to $100,000 from two seasons of racing, and has a best mile rate of 1:55.4 set last season. He is the first foal and first winner of his dam Calafia (Holmes Hanover) 2:00.1, who won 8 races and over $43,000 in stakes. Her unraced dam Deselle (Jefferson Admiral) produced 3 winners, and is a half sister to Abdias (Surmo Hanover) 1:55 30 wins $260,771. This family has produced several good winners including Machtavish (Mach Three) 1:52.9 24 wins $276,823, Callaway Bromac (McArdle) 1:56.1 20 wins $138,929, Buck The Odds 1:55.6 31 wins $307,547, Northern Assassin (Northern Luck) 1:51.8 17 wins $153,173 and Might Be Luck (Northern Luck) 1:55 19 wins and $131,124.

DEFINITELY NOT A CATASTROPHE

(20 Apr 2018) Leading up to the Oaks and WASBA Breeders Stakes there were good performances from Millview Sienna (Jeremes Jet) to win her second consecutive race in winning Heat 2 of the Johnson for the M1 mares, and quality 3yo Mach Three filly Liberty Rose won her third WA race in a row (ignoring a non finish with broken gear). Just the one WA bred winner but he has been a very good performer for his breeder/owner/trainer.

9yo geldingMajor Catastrophe (Art Major out of Adda Influence by Parsons Den) was having one of his rare starts over the short course of 1730m. Although he was in barrier 8 he has had such a good season that he was kept safe in the betting. Moving forward after barrier rise Major Catastrophe steadily moved up three wide until he reached the breeze position one out after half a lap. The favourite was in the lead with Major Catastrophe in his usual running style, head down, on his outside. Into the back the last time Major Catastrophe was moving up but appeared to be struggling, then looked like he had run his race. Coming into the home straight for the run home he was still hanging on to second. However, with runners steaming up on his outside he showed his fighting qualities and made one more charge at the leader who was now tiring, and grabbed the win in the $22,000 Gloucester Park - Entertainment With Horsepower M1 to M3 Pace by a half head in a lifetime best of 1:55.1, last half 56.8. Bred, owned and trained by David Young and driven by young Madeleine Young, it was the 27th win for Major Catastrophe with a career tally of $396,590 in stakes which includes 37 places.

Major Catastrophe has a winning full sister in Catastrophic Event (Art Major) 2:01.3 $62,774. Their dam Adda Influence (Parsons Den) 2:03.4 8 wins $45,085 is a daughter of Suzie Holmes (Holmes Hanover) 2:04 $7,162 who is the dam of three other winners including Midnight Chill (Chill Factor) 1:59.6, 13 wins and 20 places $76,173 and two other winners. Suzie Holmes is out of a half sister to the unraced Excuse Me (Bachelor Hanover), who through different daughters produced Just An Excuse (Live Or Die) 1:55.6 $1,035,068, DB Bopper (Totally Ruthless) 1:50 $683,917 Second Wind (Dream Away) 1:49.4 $616,396, Sell A Bit (Julius Caesar) 1:51.2 $563,581 and Franco Sequel (Falcon Seelster) 1:51 $353,011.

ANGELS AND BELLES

(13 Apr 2018) Another top class Oaks Prelude going to another good filly in Our Angel Of Harlem (Mach Three), as well as a solid win for My Platinum Belle (Bettors Delight) in the first Heat of The Johnson for the girls. Millview Sienna (Jeremes Jete) made it three for the girls with a good win in an M0-M1 Mares for in form driver Colin Brown. Then followed the 4th winner for the girls on the night in the very talented Sarah Goody (Rich And Spoilt).

Having her first run since being unplaced in mid December, 4yo Westsired mare Sarah Goody (Rich And Spoilt out of Forrest Interlude by Armbro Operative) was still the punters pick for the C5 to C9. Starting from barrier 2 she burned out of the barrier to take the lead and although there was a small test, there was never really a challenge to her position. Going well at the 400, it was a different story coming out of the back straight with the breeze horse Bettor Be Lively looking to have her measure. Into the home turn it looked like she was beaten, with Bettor Be Lively having a very slight lead on her outside. However, showing some real grit Sarah Goody fought back on the inside to hold out Bettor Be Lively and the fast finishing Mister Versace in a mile rate of 1:56.2, last half 56.6. It was an excellent return to racing for Sarah Goody who is raced by her breeders Rob Hall, Ross Waddell and Kevin Keys and trained by Kevin. The win was her 12th and with 10 places from only 36 starts she has earnings of just under $150,000.

Sarah Goody is the 4th winner from her dam Forrest Interlude (Armbro Operative) 1:58.6 $22,026, who has also produced Secret Interlude (Panorama) 1:56.6 19 wins $230,348 in stakes and Nothingbutadream (Modern Art) 1:55.1 $63,252. Forrest Interlude won 6 races in her career and is a half sister to 8 other winners. Her dam Take More Care (Butler B G) is a daughter of the 1982 NZ 4yo Pacing Mare of the Year Take Care (El Patron), who won over $300,000 in her career and was one of New Zealands best pacing mares in the early 80s.

IT'S DERBY NIGHT

(6 Apr 2018) Derby night and a top class win by the beautifully bred 3yo colt King Of Swing (by Rocknroll Hanover out of an Artsplace mare). Who know what the future might hold for him!. Also a very competetive bunch of 3yo fillies in the Oaks Prelude with a win by Liberty Rose (Mach Three) in 1:55.6 over the 2130m. And once again we had some very good local performances.

After a nice win the previous month and belying her age, 9yo mare Its My Lucknow (Yankee Sensation out of Lucknow Emma by Stature) put in a zippy performance to win at very long odds. Starting outside the back line she settled midfield, three back in the moving line. The race was run solidly, nothing over 30, and going into the back straight the last time Its My Lucknow made a forward move three wide to move up quickly and at the 400 she was running second but still three wide. Coming into the home straight she was outside the leader and as they entered the home straight she was marginally in front, with Sea Me Smile coming wider. At the 100m she has a length on the field and crossed the line 2.6m ahead of Soho Changeling who had been caught behind the race leader. Its My Lucknow ran the 2130m journey of the $18,000 Sky Racing Replay Mares M0 in a very fast 1:56.9, giving her the 17th win of her career, another 64 places and over $166,000 in stakes.

Lucknow Emma 2:03.1 $19,780, the dam of Its My Lucknow, was the winner of 6 races in the east before being brought to WA by Paul and Simone Strachan. Unfortunately Its My Lucknow is her first and only live foal. Lucknow Emma is a half sister to one winner and her dam Yallara Lass (To Ri Daon) 8 wins 2:02.3 $19,484 and granddam were also race winners. While the family hasnt been prolific, it has produced some nice metropolitan winners in Crossroad (To Ri Daon) 1:57.2 27 wins $158,002 and Christmas Cloud (Under A Cloud) 1:58.8 19 wins $89,632.

Starting only second favourite after a win 10 days earlier at Pinjarra, 4yo entire Our Zak Whitby (Mach Three out of Zerina Whitby by Kinney Hanover) stepped out well from barrier 2 and initially settled for the breeze with the pace moderate. However, with mouth open in the back straight he was scooted to the lead by driver Stewie McDonald. Picking up the pace the second quarter was run in 28.3 and the field was flat tack in the 27.4 third quarter. The only threat was Hot Fraternity who had the leaders back, and in a race in two Our Zak Whitby proved too classy to go on and win the $22,000 In The Gig on Sky Racing M1 to M3 by 2.6m in an excellent mile rate of 1:55.6. Bred, trained and part owned by top breed Ed Dewar, Our Zak Whitby has no won 13 races and with 18 places his career stakes are now $133,549.

6yo entireMilitary Master (Bettors Delight out of Mabel Fox by Million To One) was a very short priced favourite after a great return to racing in February, winning at Bunbury by nearly 18m, then two placings. Stepping out from 7, Military Master got away really nicely for driver Chris Lewis and went straight to the front. Striding out he set solid quarters for the 2536m journey, with no real challenges coming until the turn into the home straight looked to produce a challenge from Addfueltofire who was on the leaders back for the race. However, Lewis was not concerned and scooted the favourite away to win the $22,000 Skyharness M1 to M3 Pace by 9.8m for his owner breeders Allwood Stud Farm. Last quarter was run in 27.8 with a speedy mile rate 1:56.9 for the stayers journey.

Military Master is out Mabel Fox, who raced only once but is the dam of three winners from her first four live foals. She is a granddaughter of dual Australian Broodmare of the Year Summer Honey (Romeo Hanover) who was the dam of 8 winners including Golden Nugget winner Flashing Star (Northern Lights) 1:56.8 23 wins $352,888, WA Pacing Cup winner Hilarion Star (Hilarion) 1:56.2 26 wins $398,394, and WASBA Breeders Stakes and Empress Stakes winner Sassie Brassie (Hilarion) 1:57.4 17 wins $88,985. Sassie Brassie producing 9 winners including listed and group winner Faking It (Fake Left) 1:56.9 17 wins $174,744, The Dalmation (Northern Lights) 1:56.1 34 wins $108,821, and group winner Iron Gloves (Safely Kept) 1:58.3 15 wins $102,912.

EASTER CUP WELL DESERVED

(29 Mar 2018) The $50,000 Easter Cup was the main race of the night and what a good race, with a very nice horse winning for some quiet achievers. It might have been the Derby Prelude night, and some expensive and quality 3yos stepping out, but the night really belonged to the Easter Cup and a really good performance by a local horse.

With a win in January and a 2nd and two 3rds in his last 5 starts, 7yo gelding Importer Exporter (Artesian out of Kelcie Sophia by Totally Western) was really a good thing stepping off from the 20m mark, with Colin Brown happy to accept the drive vacated by others. Stepping away well, Importer Exporter was 5th on straightening, with the top half of the field in single file. The field was spread out of 70m, with the breeze horse 40m from the front. With 2 laps to go Browny moved Importer Exporter to the moving line in the breeze and not long after, the second favourite Johnny Fox went around him to give him the one-one. With a lap to go the favourite Runrunjimmydunn moved up three wide and Importer Exporter was pocketed. The sprint was on and as runners fell back Johnny Fox hit the front with Importer Exporter right behind him. The two favourites were now leading coming into the home turn and Importer Exporter third and making a three wide run. Bettors Fire was running a great race and coming 4 wide from well back. The favourite hit the lead at the 50 but Importer Exporter was driving through and on the line it was Importer Exporter, beautifully driven, winning the $50,000 Easter Cup by a neck from Bettors Fire and Runrunjimmydunn in third, mile rate 1:59 over the 2902m. You dont have to break the speed record to make it a fantastic race. The win was well deserved for breeder, trainer and part owner Chris Winston, with Importer Exporter winning his 11th race and having career earnings of $135,972.

Another one starting from the outside of the second line and coming home with the spoils. 7yo gelding Jailbreak (Major In Art out of Our Jenev by Our Sir Vancelot) was at nearly 30/1 with the two race favourites unfavourably drawn in 7 and 8 on the front. Jailbreak settled 4th horse on the pegs in the 2536 mobile. The field was still getting organised and as they approached the turn out of the back straight the first time, Jailbreak was now only two behind the race leader on the rails. With 750 to go the race leader Northern Emperor scooted away and led by 12m. At about the 500 Jailbreak squeezed off the rails into the moving line, looking very dangerous. As they approached the turn out of the back straight Jailbreak scooted back to the rails in front of a tiring horse and was hot footing after Northern Emperor. Turning into the home straight Jailbreak raced past Northern Emperor and was moving away and went on to win the $18,000 Retravision M0 by 7.8m from Soho Leviathan who finished over Northern Emperor, mile rate 1:58.1. The win was the 9th for the Peter Kimberley owned and trained gelding, and he has now earned nearly $58,000 including over $31,000 this season.

Jailbreak was bred by Peter and other family members. Jailbreak is the second winner from the non winning mare Our Jenev who is a daughter of New Jenev (New York New York) 1:57.5 8 wins $118,200 whose wins included the 1996 2yo Fillies $75,000 State Sires Series Final. New Jenev is a half sister to two other winners and is a granddaughter of the very good racemare and prolific broodmare Omista (Renaud) whose wins included the 1971 Golden Slipper. Omista was the dam of 8 winners including Pinjarra Cup winner Mint Condition (Bengazi Hanover) 2:02.2 $96,720 and Microfiche (Captain Hook) 1:58.1 17 wins $111,434.

Another great result for 7yo gelding Khun Ratha, who has found a new lease of life under his new ownership of Kristy Sheehy and Joshua Dunn. Trained by Josh and driven by the in form Shannon Suvaljko, Khun Ratha started favourite in barrier 6 and shot straight to the lead in the small field. Slowing the field down for a leisurely first half, he sprinted over the final quarters in 28.8 and 27.7 to win the C5 to C9 Happy Easter from Gloucester Park Westbred Pace by 3.9m in 1:58.6. The win was the 16th for Khun Ratha and with a best mile rate of 1:55.4 and nearly $48,000 he is having his best season. His career earnings are over $168,000.

Bred by Paul Poli, Khun Ratha is the first winner from his dam Calafia 2:06.6 8 wins $43,303. The unraced Deselle (Jefferson Admiral), the dam of Calafia, is also the dam of two other winners and is a half sister to the good winner Abdias (Surmo Hanover) 1:55 30 wins $260,771. Machtavish (Mach Three) 1:52.9 24 wins $276,823 and Callaway Bromac (McArdle) 1:56.1 20 wins $139,441 also belong to this maternal line along with Buck The Odds(Million To One) 1:55.6 31 wins $307,547, Northern Assassin(Northern Luck) 1:51.8 17 wins $153,173 and Might Be Luck(Northern Luck) 1:55 18 wins $125,384.

CROWNING WINNERS

(16 Mar 2018) It's an exciting time of year with the 2 and 3yos all coming through for some of the feature races and many talented runners on display. While there were higher stakes races on the night, there is just as much interest in the 2 and 3yo races, highlighting the talent that will be on show in years to come.

There was especially a lot of interest in 2yo filly Has No Fear (Western Terror out of Theladyisabomb by Presidential Ball), one of the five Trotsynd horses purchased from the 2017 APG Yearling Sale. Has No Fear started favourite from barrier 1 after a very good second in the $100,000 WA Sales Classic the previous week. Leaving the barrier fast, she was able to withstand a solid challenge from second favourite Cap In Hand and hold the race lead. The two raced together for most of the race until coming into the home turn the last time Has No Fear got a length clear then withstood a late challenge from Bettor Captured to win the $18,000 2YO Fillies Western Crown over the 1730m by 1.4m in 1:58.4. With 3 wins and 2 places from 5 starts and $38,267 plus Westbred Bonuses, the $20,000 purchase price from breeders Kevin and Annette Charles looks to be well worth the money.

Theladyisabomb, the dam of Has No Fear, raced 3 times without success before going to stud and producing three winners from her first three foals. Her dam is the American mare Nuclearaccelerator (No Nukes) who is also the dam of Almost El Eagle (McArdle) 1:54.8 21 wins $200,211. The granddam of Theladyisabomb is Madam Madusa (Albatross) 1:55.2 15 wins $164,845 who is also the dam of champion race horse, Little Brown Jug winner (over Western Hanover) and champion Australian sire Fake Left (Cam Fella) 1:51.4 17 wins $314,417.

Well backed and starting from barrier 2, the aptly named Euphoric Moment (Mr Feelgood out of Barleys Hope by Kinney Hanover) went straight to the lead. Setting pretty decent quarters (in fact nothing over 30) Euphoric Moment led all the way and showed real grit to hold out the favourite and win the $18,000 2YO Colts and Geldings Western Crown over 1730m, winning by a half neck in a mile rate of 1:57.3 and last quarter 28.6. It was his first win from only 4 starts and owner breeders S and C Glover must now they have a very nice 2yo.

Euphoric Moment is the first foal from his dam Barleys Hope, who was a speedy mare, earning $50,126 from 6 wins and 15 places and a lifetime best of 1:56 flat. While there are not many close up winners in the family, Euphoric Moment belongs to the maternal line of some of the top pacers produced in Australia, including recent Inters contender Yayas Hot Spot (Jeremes Jet) 1:51.3 $451,392, and through Larrakeyah Lady (Windshield Wiper) - Beauty Secret (Armbro Operative) 1:52.4 $425,921, Major Secret (Art Major) 1:55.1 $464,472, Rocknroll Magic (Rock N Roll Heaven) 1:54.5 $462,363 and Safe And Sound (Safely Kept) 1:57 $990,006.

Overlooking his win at GP in January (at 33/1), 9yo gelding Glow Bright (Artesian out of Bailee Renouf by Mystical Prince) was right out of the betting at nearly 50/1, with the two favourites on his outside in barriers 6 and 7. Restrained out of the barrier, Glow Bright quickly got to a good spot one out and two back with the favourite Back To The Beach left in the breeze after second favourite Red Hot Roxy used up some energy and burned to the front. A move from the back in the first lap gave Back To the Beach some cover and left Glow Bright three back in the moving line. At the 400m, Glow Bright moved three wide to make a run and was making up ground on the leaders. Coming into the home turn, Red Hot Roxy was faultering, Back To The Beach looked good three wide and Glow Bright looked very good 4 wide. In the home straight Back To The Beach hit the front but was no match for the fast finishing Glow Bright, who then held out a late dive by Auctioneers Elsu and just won the C5 to C9 Irrigation at DTS Westbred Pace by a half head with another fast finisher in Tajies Girl getting third, mile rate 1:58.3. Bred and owned by Elderbell Holdings, Glow Bright now has 16 wins, 33 places and a very tidy $175,275 in stakes.

In a good field of M0 mares there were several chances, and 4yo mare Rockin The Boys (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Boys Lie by Badlands Hanover) was on the third line of betting despite her awkward draw in 6. Driver Chris Lewis restrained out of the barrier and Rockin The Boys settled 3rd last in the moving line. With some action up front the lead time was fast at 36.6 and race favourite Our Jeremes Jem was still in the lead. After the field settled and the pace slackened Rockin The Boys moved forward three wide to settle in the breeze with 1000 to go. In the back straight the last time the early speed took its toll on the race leader and Rockin The Boys moved to the front. Running strongly she was moving further forward and raced away to win the $18,000 DTS Mares Pace by 12.8m in 1:58 over the 2130m. Only starting racing as a 3yo, it was her 10th win and with 11 places her stakes tally is now $69,691.

Bred and part owned by Debra Lewis and trained by Debra, Rockin The Boys is the first foal from Boys Lie 2:01 1 win $6,170. Hello Boys (Crouch) 1:57.5 12 wins $89,541 the dam of Boys Lie, was an classy race mare and the dam of 6 winners from 7 live foals including Kiss Chasey (Yankee Sensation) 1:55.3 16 wins $146,358, Gangbuster (Jeremes Jet) 1:58.7 4 wins $34,940 and Play The Boys (Shadow Play) 1:56.2 $69,266 including wins in a Heat and Final of the WA Sales Classic. Hello Boys is a half sister to 6 other winners including Party Date (Panorama) 1:56 25 wins and $256,003 and 2007 WASBA Breeders Stakes winner Red Hot Date (Village Jasper) 12 wins $99,730. Party Date is the dam of Bettor Party (Bettors Delight) 1:54 33 wins $267,853 Rocknroll Whitby (Rocknroll Hanover) 11 wins $143,947 and 3 other winners, and Red Hot Date is the dam of Hot Fraternity (Art Major) 9 wins $78,412 and 3 other winners. Boom Or Bust (Kawartha Robust) 2:03 8 wins $35,997, the dam of Hello Boys, is a half sister to 6 other winners, and is out of Boom Boom Baby (Pure Steel) who in turn is a half sister to Dripping Diamonds (Maple Lanes Strike) the dam of Golden Goddess (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 29 wins $258,906 and Golden Gears (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 25 wins $336,466.

NEW EMPRESS AND 3YO SALES CLASSICS ON SHOW

(9 Mar 2018) It's Sales Classic night for the 3yos and also $50,000 Empress Stakes night with reigning queen the well performed 4yo Madame Meilland (McArdle) victorious in the Empress Stakes in a very good performance. There were 5 WA bred winners on the night including 1 girl, to add to the victory in the Empress Stakes

With a blip on his record at his last start the previous week, 7yo gelding Khun Ratha (Bettors Delight out of Calafia by Holmes Hanover) was not fancied despite his otherwise good recent record. Starting from the inside of the back row, Khun Ratha eventually settled 4 back the fence as the field sorted. Coming to the winning post the first time favourite Major Catastrophe, who started in 9, made a forward move from the rear and with two laps to go had the breeze position, seemingly just the right spot for him. With the second quarter in 28.9 and the two leaders going toe to toe in the back straight the last time, the field opened up and Khun Ratha, who was now two behind the leader on the fence, was able to move out into clear running. Delaying his move slightly he rounded the home turn four wide and in 6th position. Racing down the outside he finished the best and won the $22,000 Milford Homes M1 to M3 Pace by a head from Major Catastrophe with race leader Bettor Not Knowing 2.3m further back. The mile rate was very solid at 1:57.8 for the 2536m mobile, and the last half was 57.3. The win was his 15th and he has 38 places and over stakes of $168,359. His winnings this season are over $42,000.

Bred by Paul Poli and now raced by his trainer Josh Dunn in partnership with Kristy Sheehy, Khun Ratha has been a quiet achiever, with nearly $36,000 in earnings last season. He was placed 3rd in the 2014 Westbred 3yo C/G Classic. He is the first winner from his dam Calafia 2:06.6 8 wins $43,303 in stakes. Calafia is a half sister to two other winners and is out of the unraced Deselle (Jefferson Admiral) who is a half sister to Abdias (Surmo Hanover) 1:55 30 wins $260,771. Other members of this family include Machtavish (Mach Three) 1:52.9 24 wins $276,823, Callaway Bromac (McArdle) 1:56.1 2o wins $139,441 and through a half sister to the granddam of Deselle are Buck The Odds 1:55.6 31 wins $307,547, Northern Assassin (Northern Luck) 1:51.8 17 wins $153,173 and Might Be Luck (Northern Luck) 1:55 18 wins $125,384

As short as you can be in the betting given her recent form, 3yo filly Lady De La Renta (Well Said out of Flylika Bird Lombo by Jet Laag) was unbackable as she stepped out from 5 in the $25,000 Total Home Frames 3yo Fillies Sales Classic. Waiting for a number of runners to make their intentions known, Chris Voak on Lady De La Renta went forward 3 wide as they entered the home straight the first time, with Princess Major going to the lead then conceding that position to Lady De La Renta. The lead time was fast at 36.4 and they steadied over the next two quarters before heading into the final lap. Lady De La Renta continued to control the race, and moved away coming out of the back straight. She went on to a comfortable win in the $25,000 Total Homes 3yo Fillies Sales Classic by 8.7m from Princess Major, with the placegetters all having rails runs. The win was comfortable and was her second win in succession and third win from four starts with career earnings of $64,742 in stakes including just under $45,000 this season.

After 4 placings from 5 starts since resuming in February 3yo colt Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art) started favourite with top driver Gary Hall Jnr on board. Starting in 3 and avoiding the early contest, Rock Me Over settled one out and one back in the moving line. The lead time was solid at 37.1 and as the field slowed for the first quarter, there was a move from the rear with Nuclear Poker getting to the breeze and Rock Me Over now one out two back. Going into the back straight and with race leader Ooshtaa sprinting away, Rock Me Over was forced to lead up the 3 wide line and he closed in quickly on the leaders. Ooshtaa was putting in a good performance and was still 2 lengths in front coming into the home straight. Rock Me Over gradually wore him down and was in front at the 50m, then held off a good finish from Our Trump Card to win the $25,000 Milford Homes 3yo Colts and Geldings Sales Classic by a neck in 1:58.1, last quarters 28.5 and 29.6. The win was his 4th and his 15 starts also included 8 placings for stakes of $76,730.

With two recent trial wins and excellent form in stands, 6yo gelding Tommy Be Good stepped out favourite from the 30m mark in the 2503 stand. Tommy began well and quickly was in touch with the field, although still last. With two laps to go, Tommy made a foward move and the race flavour quickly changed with other runners making their moves to either sit behind Tommy or in the case of Assassinator and Major Rush, go around Tommy to take the breeze and one one. So with a bit of cat and mouse it was second favourite Ruling Gold in the lead and Tommy Be Good now one out and two back, just perfect for him. Making another move in the back straight, Tommy Be Good moved up strongly to come after the race leader. Second coming into the home straight, Tommy Be Good was too strong and grabbed the lead in the last 50m to go on and win the $18,000 Studco Building Systems Descetionary Stand by 4.1m from Ruling Gold, with Importer Exporter flying home to be third. The win was his 15th and he now has a career tally of $152,020 which includes 16 places.

Bred by John Coffey's Patrician Park, Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet out of Spicks And Specks by Golden Greek) was bought for $14,000 at the 2013 WA Yearling Sale for current connections Tom Erceg and Kat Warwick. His dam Spicks and Specks has produced two other winners in Liquid Radar (Armbro Operative) 1:57 13 wins $116,033 and Niseko (Bettors Delight) 1:58.8 8 wins $45,342. Her unraced daughter Rapunzels Dream (Western Terror) is the dam of Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire) 1:56.8 19 wins $91,086 and one other winner. Spicks And Specks is a half sister to Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199 and Turkish (Village Jasper) 1:59 12 wins $131,303. Tommy Be Good's unraced granddam Breathtaking (Classic Garry), is a half sister to WA champion Shattering Class (Golden Greek) 62 wins $810,302.

Outside of the back line isnt the worst barrier, but when you have a $1.60 in the race starting from barrier 1 it isnt that popular either. However, 9yo gelding Trustytrev (Franco Terminator out of The Link by Hilarion) and his connections were more than content, and with Nathan Turvey back on board, Trustytrev was restrained out of the barrier and quickly took up a rails position two behind the race leader and favourite Alfs Odyssey. With the leader being challenged the pace was on all the way. After a second quarter 28.7, Alfs Odyssey managed to shake off the two and three wide challengers heading into the back straight but with a gap in the field, Trustytrev was now free to pounce. Getting into the clear, he was three wide and 4th heading into the home straight and moved up to join the now leading pair of Alfs Odyssey and Free To Air as they straightened for the run home. Going to a clear lead he went on to win the $18,000 Mal and Leanne M0 by 7.5m in 1:58.3. The win was his second for the season and was a great result for owner breeders Cameron and N and L Mills and trainer Chris Feast. His career stakes are now $80,871 from 12 wins and 25 places.

The Link, the dam of Trustytrev, was a winner of 7 races and is a daughter of good racemare of the early 80s in Tahitian Dancer (Boyden Hanover) 2:00.5 $40,787. The Link is part of an old maternal line that has produced top horses of the past including leading sire Delvin Dancer (Meadow Vance) 2:02.3, Celevale Van as well as more recent winners Blissfull Guy (Blissfull Hall) 1:54.4 $120,035 and The Space Invader (Pacific Rocket) 1:51.6 $152,659.

SALES CLASSIC WINNERS TOO GOOD

(2 Mar 2018) It's Sales Classic night !!! and a combined APG and WASBA Awards night. Although we had to wait until race 5 for our success, it was worth the wait, with 2 excellent WA bred winners of the 2yo Sales Classic races and another Westbred winner on the night, to boot.

First up was the 1730m $100,000 Clipsal by Schneider Electric 2yo Fillies Sales Classic. An excellent field stepped up to the barrier with heat winners Cap In Hand (Auckland Reactor) in 7 and Trotsynd filly Has No Fear (Western Terror) the sole runner on the back row in 10. Soho Interceptor (Art Major out of Aussie Made Lombo by Bettors Delight) was on the third line of betting, behind the two heat winners. However the race took on an unexpected complexion with Cap In Hand breaking on barrier rise and just missing Soho Interceptor, who was driven forward rapidly to avoid the galloping filly on her outside. Soho Interceptor raced to the lead. With the lead time very solid the field was spread out. With a slow second quarter the field closed up and favourite Has No Fear was one out one back. In the back straight the last time Has No Fear made a solid three wide move and was in second at the 400. However, Soho Interceptor looked to be able to hold the challenge and although she was tiring, Has No Fear was also doing her best and Soho Interceptor went on to win by 1.5m in a very good 1:57.6 for the 1730m journey. It was her first win from 3 lifetime starts and her stakes are now $66,906.

Bred and raced by Robert Watson, Soho Interceptor is the third foal and first winner from champion mare Aussie Made Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1:55.1 22 wins $578,456. Aussie Made Lombo ran her last race in March 2013 as the winner of the $50,000 Empress Stakes. She was second in the 2012 $100,000 Mares Classic. Racing across several states she was a top class juvenile and won the 2010 $50,000 Bathurst Gold Tiara, was second in the 2010 $300,000 APG 2yo Fillies Final, won the 2010 $150,000 2yo Kay Seymour Nursery and multiple other high class performances. She is a daughter of champion mare Tailamade Lombo (Troublemaker) 49 wins $1,354,978, who won 12 Group 1s including the WA Oaks, Victorian OAks, Australian Oaks, Queensland Oaks and Ladyship Mile (twice). Tailamade Lombo was bred by incomparable WA breeder Mick Lombardo in WA.

Now for the boys. The heat winners had varying success in the barrier draw with Shock Wave (Mach Three) drawing 3, Patrickthepiranha (Four Starzzz Shark) drawing (worse than his heat) in 9 and Babyface Adda (Rich And Spoilt) not much better in 8 . As a result, Shock Wave started a short priced favourite and duly went forward out of the barrier and to the lead. Several of the wide runners chose to go forward (a wise move as it turns out) and after settling it was the Colin Brown trained pair Patrickthepiranha in the breeze and stablemate Its Rock And Roll (A Rocknroll Dance out of Miss Worthy Whitby by Bettors Delight) who started from 7, in the one one. Thats how they ran until the 400 with Shock Wave setting a solid pace. Patrickthepiranha was putting pressure on Shock Wave and was almost level coming out of the back straight until the effort took its toll and Shock Wave bounded away. However, its Rock And Roll was now chasing hard and just kept going, grabbing the tiring Shock Wave on the line to win by a head, with 6m to Patrickthepiranha. The race was run at a 1:56.6 mile rate, exceptionally good for the babies. The 4th runner in the race Babyface Adda was also an extremely good run, coming from a clear last at the 400 to by only 9m behind. But nothing is better than the winner who made it $70,825 from his 2 wins and a second from 3 starts to date.

Bred by Ed Dewar, Its Rock And Roll is entirely US bred, being by A Rocknroll Dance out of Miss Worthy Whitby (Bettors Delight) 1:59.9 3 wins $40,154. He is her second foal and first winner. Miss Worthy Whitby, who was bought for $26,500 at the 2009 Victorian Yearling Sale, is a half sister to the unbeaten The Storm Inside (Rocknroll Hanover) 1:54.6 7 wins $222,845. Their dam Spirited Storm is a US mare by champion Artsplace. Spirited Storm is a granddaughter of Blue Horizon (Storm Damage), the equivalent of a Blue Hen mare in thoroughbred racing.

No less important to his connections 6yo gelding Hot Fraternity (Art Major out of Red Hot Date by Village Jasper) stepped up to the plate, at quite short odds for his barrier 9, and with a change of tactics produced the right result. Hot Fraternity restrained out of the barrier and settled second last. With 1000 to go he moved out to lead up the three wide and was steadily making up ground on the leaders. At the 300m he was the one to be on. The breeze horse and favourite, Rockin The Boys, moved to the lead and Hot Fraternity was instantly challenging. Rounding the home turn it was still Rockin The Boys but Hot Fraternity was too strong and went on to win the $18,000 Clipsal M0 by 1.8m in a very solid 1:56.6 over the 1730m, last qtrs 28.6 and 28.4. The win was the 9th and with 16 places he has $72,127 in earnings. It was also the 2nd win along with 4 places from 10 starts this season.

(23 Feb 2018) Some excellent racing overll with McArdle mare Michelle Meilland winning The Lewis Final, and a 1:53.9 win by Chicago Bull in the Governors Cup. But not to be outdone, our WA bred horses were excellent as well.

It was a great result for 11 yr old geldingItsallaboutnicole (Courage Under Fire out of Snookanite by Walton Hanover) who was returning to racing after an absence of 2 ½ years. With 3 trials behind him over the previous 4 weeks he was second favourite despite the long lay off. Starting from 4 he was the fastest out and comfortably got to the lead in the first 100m. With a normal lead time and steady first half, he went into the last lap still looking in control. Picking up the pace in the back straight to a 28.2 qtr he was a length in front at the turn into the front straight with the field bunching but not really threatening. Stretching his lead in the run home he won the $22,000 Gong Xi Fa Cai M1 to M3 Pace under hold, mile rate 1:57.6 and last qtr 28.9. It was the 13th win for Itsallaboutnicole, including the 2009 Western Crown and Group 1 Pearl Classic, with stakes of $187,770 and 17 places along the way.

A top field of fillies stepped out in the 3yo Fillies event over the 2130m, with most of last season’s best 2yo fillies in action. Starting second favourite from 12 to Cott Beach, Lady De La Renta (Well Said out of Flylika Bird Lombo by Jet Laag) was in the two wide line as the field was finding their positions coming into the home straight. With the field stretched out in a 35.6 lead time, Lad De La Renta had three behind her with 1200 to go. The first half was run in even time and Lady De La Renta moved to the three wide line with 1000 to go following forward moves by other runners. After such a hard lead time the front of the field started to fall back, with those caught in the middle being shuffled back and Lady De La Renta three wide three back now in a “good” position. She rounded the home turn four wide and looking the winner and was in front at the 100m, going on to win the $18,000 On The Point Chinese Cup by 1.1m from Cott Beach who had been shuffled back to last and was making ground fast on the outside, mile rate 1:57.5. Bred by Kevin, Annette and Kody Charles it was a good win for the in-form Lady De La Renta who has 3 wins and 1 place from 6 starts this season and $49,629 and 4 wins 2 places overall.

Lady De La Renta was purchased for $26,000 at the 2016 Yearling Sale by part owner and trainer Annie Belton. She is the second foal and first winner from Victorian mare Flylika Bird Lombo (Jet Laag) 1:59.8 7 wins $53,975. Flylika Bird Lombo is one of 11 winners from her dam Decethree Lombo (Classic Garry) and is a half sister to Lombo Skyrider (Panorama) 1:50 63 wins $841,611, Lombo Cloud Nine (Northern Luck) 1:55.3 $102,310, Lombo Silhouette (Troublemaker) 1:58.4 9 wins $92,528 and Lady Lara Lombo (Northern Lights) 6 wins $51,120 the dam of Lord Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.6 $286,184 and granddam of Wesley (Sportswriter) 1:57.4 10 wins $101,825. Australian 3yo of the Year and Broodmare of the Year Misty Maiden is the granddam of Flylika Bird Lombo, making this family all the more valuable.

Stepping out in a stand for the second time in a month, it was a repeat win for 9yo gelding Major Catastrophe (Art Major out of Adda Influence by Parsons Den). Getting away steadily from the 10m line Major Catastrophe settled in the breeze initially but seeing an opportunity to lead he was in the lead after a lap. From there it was even quarters , but with 600 to go he looked under pressure. Rounding the home turn he was fighting back and showing his toughness, moved away in the last 50m to win the $20,000 Celebrate Chinese New Year at Gloucester Park by 5.8m in 2:00.4, last half 58.7. It made it win number 26 for the David Young owned and trained gelding who has also been placed 36 times. His total stakes are now $377,328 which includes the Group 2 San Simeon and 2011 Group 1 Pearl Classic. It was his second metropolitan win in a fortnight. It has been a welcome and successful return to racing for the 9yo, who only returned to the track in November after a 10 month break. His season tally is just under $49,000.

Adda Influence (Parsons Den) 2:03.4 8 wins $45,085, the dam of Major Catastrophe, is also the dam of Catastrophic Event (Art Major) 2:01.3 $54,092. Her dam Suzie Holmes (Holmes Hanover) 2:04 $7,162 is also the dam of Midnight Chill (Chill Factor) 1:59.6, 13 wins and 20 places $76,173 and two other winners. Suzie Holmes is out of a half sister to the unraced Excuse Me (Bachelor Hanover), who through different daughters produced Just An Excuse (Live Or Die) 1:55.6 $1,035,068, DB Bopper (Totally Ruthless) 1:50 $683,917 Second Wind (Dream Away) 1:49.4 $616,396, Sell A Bit (Julius Caesar) 1:51.2 $563,581 and Franco Sequel (Falcon Seelster) 1:51 $353,011.

ROXY HOT AGAIN

(16 Feb 2018) RWWA Cup night, with in form Chicago Bull successful, and the Caduceus Classic for the 3yos won by Maczaffair's little brother, Golden State, but there were 3 top wins by our WA horses as well.

Four wins out of the last six starts, including one the previous week, guaranteed that the Steve Johnson bred 4yo mare Red Hot Roxy (Somebeachsomewhere out of Gabriella Rocks by Four Starzzz Shark) was going to be fancied in the betting. Starting favourite from 2 and getting away really well, she went straight to the front. However, there were some early challenges, making sure that she had some pressure, and the lead time was a fast 36.5. Down the back she was holding her own, as the breeze horse started to tire. This left room for Sea Cider and Lord Willoughby, both railing behind Red Hot Roxy, to move off the rails. Coming into the home straight Red Hot Roxy was clear but the challengers were coming. As they hit the finish line it was Red Hot Roxy by a head in the Tabtouch C5 to C9, from Lord Willoughby with Sea Cider a nose back in third. It was an excellent run and win by Red Hot Roxy, in a lifetime best mile rate of 1:55.9 and last qtrs. 28.3 and 28.4. The win took the lightly raced mare to just over $160,000 from 13 wins and 7 places.

Red Hot Roxy is out of the unraced Gabriella Rocks (Four Starzzz Shark), who has produced a second winnner in Princess Major (Art Major) 1:57.8 2 wins $26,888. At Melrose Place (Sokys Atom), the dam of Gabriella Rocks was also unraced and is the dam of 5 winners including Grinjaro (Grinfromeartoear) 1:55.2 17 wins $248,982 and Forty Two Grand (Armbro Operative) 1:58.3 16 wins $122,875. At Melrose Place is a half sister to five winners and as well as two very good trotters, the family has produced a number of handy winners including WA winner Talk About Mach (Mach Three) 1:56.8 $130,109 as well as champion of the past Manaroa (Morano) 1:58.1 $218,159, one of the best Australasian pacers of the early 70s.

Fancied in the betting, 4yo mare Gotta Go Gabbana (Gotta Go Cullect out of Lady Gabbana by Kinney Hanover) had the tricky barrier 5 and after initially settling one one out of the barrier, driver Chris Voak made a forward move to the breeze position outside race favourite Rockin The Boys before the field reached the winning post the first time. It turned out to be a winning move, with Gotta Go Gabbana testing the favourite throughout the next lap. In the back straight the last time she had the favourite beaten and coming into the home straight she had broken clear but was under threat from the late finishers. In the run to the line Gotta Go Gabbana fought on well to win Heat 3 of the Lewis for M2 Mares by a half neck in a solid 1:57.4, last qtrs 28.3 and 28.5. The win was her third in a row, and her fifth since returning to racing in November. She now has 7 wins and 8 places from only 22 lifetime starts and $43,570.

With his last win in August 2017 9yo entire Say It Now (Bettors Delight out of Promising Gift by Bright As Day), was 22/1 in the betting and barrier 6 didnt help. Not to be deterred, driver Chris Voak dropped out at the start but moved around the outside after 100m to be sitting in the breeze before the winners post the first time. With Say It Now running keenly, the race was being run in good time. In the back straight the last time Say It Now was running a very strong race and coming into the home turn he was the leader. Running to the finish Say It Now, who was bred by Kevin and Kody Charles a trained by Kevin, drew clear of the field and went on to win the $20,000 M0 to M2 Tabradio Pace by 5.2m from the Kody Charles trained Racy Lacy, mile rate 1:57.1. The win took Say It Now to $232,320 from 20 wins and 22 places. His biggest win was the 2012 $30,000 Country Derby.

Say It Now is one of 4 winners from his dam Promising Gift 2:02.7 $25,812, including Looks Promising (Modern Art) 1:54.7 13 wins and $82,769 and Bettors Gift (Bettors Delight) 5 wins and $29,497. The granddam of Promising Gift is a half sister to Inter Dominion winner Preux Chevalier (Lumber Dream) 1:54.3 40 wins $791,331. His dam Heather Frost (Thurber Frost) is very closely related to Mary Gale (Armbro Hurricane) the granddam of Austrialian 3yo Filly of the Year and later Australian Broodmare of the Year Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper), dam of Lombo Pocket Watch (Jet Laag), the only 2yo ever to win Australian 2yo of the Year and Australian Pacer of the Year.

WE ARENT DAINTY TONIGHT

(9 Feb 2018) Another good night for the girls, with 3 winners, all WA bred, plus another two wins by our WA bred horses. And a new breeder takes out the Group 2!

With 4 wins and 4 places since resuming 4yo mare Red Hot Roxy (Somebeachsomewhere out of Gabriella Rocks by Four Starzzz Shark) was a short priced favourite. She began brilliantly from 3 and had crossed over to the lead in the first 100m. From there on it was a case of follow the leader. Bettor Boa made a fast move three wide in the back straight to be the only challenger to Red Hot Roxy, and although she ran a tremendous race she wasn’t able to get over Red Hot Roxy who went on to win the $18,000 Mares M0-M1 by 2.8m in 1:58.2, last half 56.8.

A $24,000 Sales graduate bred by Steve Johnson and owned by Pacing WA and clients of trainer Kat Warwick, Red Hot Roxy has now won $155,082 from 12 wins and 7 places from only 23 lifetime starts. Red Hot Roxy is the first foal from the unraced Gabriella Rocks (Four Starzzz Shark), who has also produced promising filly Princess Major (Art Major) 1:57.8 2 wins $26,888. Gabriella Rocks is a half sister to five winners including Forty Two Grand (Armbro Operative) 1:58.3 16 wins $122,875 and Grinjaro (Grinfromeartoear) 1:55.2 17 wins $248,982. This is the family that also produced WA winner Talk About Mach (Mach Three) 1:56.8 $130,109 as well as champion of the past Manaroa (Morano) 1:58.1 $218,159.

With such a good field of 3yo fillies stepping out in the $50,000 Daintys Daughter Classic, punters obviously overlooked the recent form of last start winner Slick Artist (Art Major out of Slick Bird by Bettors Delight). Starting from 2 on the second row probably didn’t help, but with Cott Beach showing blistering speed out of the barrier the field was spread out and Gary Hall Jnr on Slick Artist was able to roll forward and get a rails position three back the pegs behind Cott Beach and Infinite Symbol. With the pace right on, and many mid race moves, race caller Richie Bell noted that Slick Artist had had a “soft run”. Coming off the back after setting such a hard pace, Cott Beach was in trouble and being tackled by Infinite Symbol, leaving a handy gap for Slick Artist to move out three wide and challenge as they entered the home straight. At the 50m Slick Artist had the race won, with the final margin 3.2m last half 58.9 and mile rate 1:56.4 set up in the first half of the race. Bred by Beth Richardson, Karen Hall, G Ralston and Perth Racing's Neil Pinner, Slick Artist now has 3 wins including a Group 2 win and 2 places from her 9 starts.

Slick Artist is the first foal out of good winner Slick Bird (Bettors Delight) 1:55.7 10 wins $89,999. Slick Bird is a full sister to Smokin Bird 1:55.1 10 wins $96,112 and a half sister to High Courage (Courage Under Fire) 1:53.4 18 wins $142,814 (also trained by Gary Snr) and Whos Escaped (Artiscape) 1:52.7 11 wins $127,377. The granddam of Slick Bird is Donna Who (Golden Greek) 1:57.1 $244,668 whose dam Girl Called Destiny (Fast Knight) 1:59.8 $58,415 is a full sister to the dam of sire It Is I (Golden Greek) 1:56.4 $208,575 and La Speranza (Whats Next) 1:59, $155,828 who in turn is the dam of Group 1 winner Armida (Safely Kept) 1:59.1 $159,285.

In good form with recent placings including a last start second in the Northam Cup, 9yo gelding Major Catastrophe (Art Major out of Adda Influence by Parsons Den) started favourite from barrier 1 but didn’t quite have the speed out of the stand to hold the lead and was crossed, only to then go around the race leader to take over the race. Bred, owned and trained by David Young, that was likely to be the end result and true to form, Major Catastrophe led throughout and although slightly challenged coming out of the back straight, went on to win the $20,000 Princi Butchers M1 and better stand by 5.6m in a mile rate of 2:00.7, last qtrs. 28.5 and 28.4. The win took his stakes to a super $361,890 from 25 wins and 35 places. Major Catastrophe had a 10 month break from the track before resuming racing in November 2017 and has since won just under $34,000.

Adda Influence (Parsons Den) 2:03.4 8 wins $45,085, the dam of Major Catastrophe, is also the dam of one other winner and is a half sister to Midnight Chill (Chill Factor) 1:59.6, 13 wins and 20 places $76,173. The granddam of Adda Influence is a half sister to the unraced Excuse Me (Bachelor Hanover), one of the noteworthy dams of the current era. Through different daughters of Excuse Me we have Just An Excuse (Live Or Die) 1:55.6 $1,035,068, DB Bopper (Totally Ruthless) 1:50 $683,917 Second Wind (Dream Away) 1:49.4 $616,396, Sell A Bit (Julius Caesar) 1:51.2 $563,581 and Franco Sequel (Falcon Seelster) 1:51 $353,011. Nice family!.

It has been a long time between wins for the 2016 $100,000 3YO Westbred Colts and Geldings Classic winner New World Order (Rich And Spoilt out of Loose Lips by Orange Sovereign), even though he has run some excellent placings. On the back of recent form the 5yo gelding started favourite in the small field and settled about 20m last from his barrier 7 start. With 1000 to go New World Order made his move 3 wide and steadily moved up to be level with the race leader at the 300. Coming into the home straight New World Order had reached the lead and was drawing clear. A late fright from the fast finishing Destined To Rule was too late and New World Order won the C5 to C9 Garrards Horse & Hound Pace by a head in 1:58.8, last qtrs. 28.3 and 28.9. The win was his 11th and with 19 places he has just over $173,000 in stakes.

Bred by Highlight Lodge, New World Order is one of six winners produced by his dam Loose Lips with her other winners including full brother to New World Order in Shipwreck 1:52.2 19 wins and $279,198. The dam of Loose Lips is the prolific broodmare Ada Trunkey(Massie) who was born in NZ and brought to Australia as a weanling. Ada Trunkey produced 19 foals of which 15 raced for 10 winners including Miss Scoot Along (W R H) 1:56.7 10 wins $50,294. Miss Scoot Along is the dam of Jennas Speedster (Jennas Beach Boy) 13 wins $103,714, Light Of My Life (Day In A Life) 1:59.5 10 wins $69,071, Allthewaytothebank (Rich And Spoilt) 1:57 9 wins $56,772 and Royal Mews (Royal Mattjesty) the dam of Glenferrie Arch (Major In Art) 1:56.6 7 wins $67,938.

Following two wins at Pinjarra in January and with the prized barrier 1, our final winner on the night in 7yo mare Mon Lillies (Artesian out of Mon Poppies by Safely Kept) was a good option in the race. With young Kyle Harper on board Mon Lillies was driven out hard from the barrier to hold the lead from race favourite Better B Chevron. Having got the lead there was no reason to keep the speed up and the lead time and first quarter dropped to a sedate pace. The pace picked up to a 28.2 3rd quarter with the two favourites still running one-two. Mon Lillies still had the lead rounding the home turn and despite a valiant effort from Better B Chevron and a good run by the three wide Madame Meilland, they couldn’t get to Mon Lillies and she won Heat 2 of The Lewis by a head in 1:58.9, last qtr 28.2. It made 14 career wins for Mon Lillies and the third win in 4 starts. Along with 21 places she has won just over $120,000 for her career.

(2 Feb 2018) The Lord Mayors Cup was won by Chicago Bull and an excellent night for the girls and 4 WA bred winners overall to start off the last month of summer.

Having run second the previous week and with several highly fancied starters in the race, 3yo filly and Group 1 placegetter Lady De La Renta (Well Said out of Flylika Bird Lombo by Jet Laag) was well out in the betting for the $20,000 Worldwide Osborne Park 3YO Pace, no doubt made worse by the 8 barrier. However, punters obviously overlooked her good trial and recent form. Pressing forward out of the barrier, Lady De La Renta settled quickly in the breeze position with the favourite Speed Man leading and the pace very slow. The first and second quarters were also moderate but the speed quickened to 28.5 in the third with Speed Man still leading and the second favourite Bechers Brook one out one back sitting on Lady De La Renta. A move from the back flushed out Bechers Brook who made a fast move three wide to be just off the two leaders coming out of the back straight. As luck (or bad luck depending on your point of view) would have it, the favourite Speed Man broke on the home turn, and although he got back into stride quickly, he was now out of contention for the win. Bechers Brook was tackling the new leader Lady De La Renta but showing great strength, Lady De La Renta held off Bechers Brook to win the 2130m event by 1.3m, with Speed Man recovering to run third, last quarter 27.5 and mile rate 1:59.3. Bred by Kevin, Annette and Kody Charles, the win was her third from only 7 starts including a 2nd in the 2YO Fillies Sales Classic. She went 1:55.1 to win at her first race start.

Starting 2nd favourite from 2, 8yo mare Tajies Girl (Blissfull Hall out of Classic Rendezvous by Classic Garry) was driven out hard from the barrier to take the lead and beat the early challenge from Mon Lillies. Slowing right down for the first quarter and an even second quarter, Taijes Girl still looked to be comfortabe in the front and coming off the back after a 28.3 3rd quarter she was holding the field at bay and went on to win Heat 1 of the Lewis for M2 Mares by 2.9m in 1:59.1, last qtr 28.2. Bred by Stephen Woodcock, it was the 14th win for Tajies Girl for $108,902 and she also has 22 places.

After a win a fortnight earlier, 5yo gelding Brotha Ofa Gangsta (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Stephanie Rose by Northern Lights) was at the good odds of 5/1 in the betting. Starting from 4 over the 2130m event, the lead time was slow with the favourite from 3 going straight to the leaders position and Brotha Ofa Gangsta in the breeze. The 3 wide line started early and the field was packed up with a lap to go. In the back straight the last time Brotha Ofa Gangsta moved up outside the leader and it was head to head in a 28.1 3rd qtr. Coming out of the bend for the run home it was a real tussle with Brotha Ofa Gangsta just stronger on the line to win the $20,000 Worldwide East Perth M0 to M2 Pace by a head in 1:59.2, last qtr 28.1. This was the 5th win for the season and the 12th overall, and along with 15 places his stakes are just under $84,000.

Lightly raced 5yo mareAlkiras Desire (Real Desire out of Alkira Jet by Jet Laag) broke her M0 status with an excellent win in the $18,000 Worldwide West Perth Mares Pace over 2130m. Bred by Neville, Mary and Vanessa Brockman, trained by Vanessa and part owned by Neville, Alkiras Desire started in 4 and was eased back at the start to settle one out and 4 back. With the field led by Sea Me Smile in a slow lead time and first quarter, it looked like it was going to be leader bias. Going into the back straight the last time, Alkiras Desire followed a three wide move and was forced wider at the 400 but was only 3 lengths from the lead in a 28.7 third quarter. Coming into the home turn 4 wide, it appeared that Sea Me Smile might hold her out. Straightening up the chase was on and Alkiras Desire thundered home and burst to the front with 30m to go and came away to win by 1.7m in 1:58.9, last qtr 28.2. The win was her 8th from only 23 starts that included 9 places and $60,033. Alkiras Desire has a lifetime best of 1:55.4 and is the winner of the 2017 WASBA King Lethbridge Memorial.

Alkira Jet (Jet Laag) 1:59.1 $134,835 the dam of Alkiras Desire, was a top flight race mare retiring as an M6 mare with her wins including the $30,000 Harvey Cup. She is the dam of 2 winners from 3 foals of racing age, including Hotshot Hall (Blissfull Hall) 1:56.7 7 wins $37,514. Alkira Jet is a full sister to Alkira Jetstar 1:56.1 15 wins $162,957. Their dam Alkira Star (Resonator) 2:00.7 $10,550 is a granddaughter of Fireball Trunkey (Massie). This is another family with extensive winners including North Toa Luckstar (Northern Luck) 1:57 18 wins $175,707.

AUSTRALIA DAY FIREWORKS

(27 Jan 2018) It was the Australia Day meeting (just a day late) and Maczaffair won Im Themightyquinn Final 1:55.9 by 4.8m after starting 2nd favourite and stepping out from barrier 2 and leading, last qtrs 27.5 and 27.8. Brilliant effort from this 4yo mare whose stakes are now close to $350,000. My Hard Copy also topped up his million dollar stakes by winning the Ray Duffy Memorial. But the night definitely belonged to our WA bred horses.

A lifetime best after good second in his heat to Talktomeyourmattjesty. 6yo gelding Argyle Red (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Dekker Diamond by Iraklis) zoomed out from 5 in the 1730m speed finale and raced to the front, missing all the action behind him which left several runners with reduced chances including the favourite Cut For An Ace who galloped out of contention. Second favourite Talktomeyourmattjesty raced forward to try to grab the lead from Argyle Red, but was unsuccessful, leaving him in the breeze in a 27.6 first quarter. The tough Major Catastrophe started the third line with a lap to go, and at the 400 had to make a 4 wide move but was making up ground on the leaders. Coming around the home turn Argyle Red had the lead and the inside running, with Talktomeyourmattjesty, Handsandwheels and the dogged Major Catastrophe trying their best to catch him. However, driver Morgan Woodley never looked worried and Argyle Red went on to win the Group 2 $50,000 Nights Of Thunder by 6.3m in a lifetime best of 1:54.2, last quarter 28.9. Bred and owned by Robert and Ann MacDonald and trained by Rob, the win brought up $155,979 from 14 wins and 23 places.

Rated one of the better chances and from the inside of the 10m line, stand specialist Importer Exporter (Artesian out of Kelcie Sophia by Totally Western) was a little roughly away but quickly got into his gait and settled straight onto the back of the race leader. The favourite Three Blind Mice was in the breeze and backmarker Tommy Be Good was one out one back after very quickly making up his 30m handicap. The field remained as is until the back straight the final time when Three Blind Mice took over as race leader, with Chris Lewis on Importer Exporter moving off the rails and Tommy Be Good now three wide, both horses ready to tackle the favourite. Entering the home straight it was the 7yo gelding Importer Exporter who grabbed the lead at the 100m and went on to win the $20,000 Westside Auto Wholesale Discretionary Stand.

Bred and part owned and trained by Chris Winston, Importer Exporter now has $100,203 10 wins 15 places.

After a 2nd at Northam to very nice filly Infinite Symbol at her previous start, 3yo filly Slick Artist (Art Major out of Slick Bird by Bettors Delight) starter favourite from barrier 2 in the 3yo Fillies event and coming out solidly went straight to the front. After the field settled she was holding the lead with second favourite Lady De La Renta in the one out one back. After a slow first quarter there were plenty of moves in the home straight with Lady De La Renta moving out three wide to the breeze to avoid the pocket. Headed with a lap to go, Stewie McDonald on Slick Artist picked up the pace and it was a battle in two with Slick Artist running 28.2 for the third quarter and coming into the home straight a length in front. Running to the finish with just the two fillies in contention, Slick Artist was tiring but just held on to win from the Gannons Pacing Colours 3yo Fillies Pace by a half head in 1:58.8, last qtr 28.6. This was her second win from 8 starts.

Bred by Beth Richardson, Karen Hall, G Ralston and Perth Racing's Neil Pinner, Slick Artist is out of the Gary Hall trained Slick Bird (Bettors Delight) 1:55.7 who finished her career with 10 wins and just shy of $90,000. Slick Artist is her first foal. Slick Byrd is out of the Falcon Seelster mare Whos The Byrd and is a full sister to Smokin Bird 1:55.1 10 wins $96,112 and a half sister to High Courage (Courage Under Fire) 1:53.4 18 wins $142,814 (also trained by Gary Snr) and Whos Escaped (Artiscape) 1:52.7 11 wins $127,377.

WA SUCCESS ON PACING CUP NIGHT

(19 Jan 2018) Sparks were flying early on Nights of Thunder Heat Night, the lead up events for the $450,000 WA Pacing Cup which was won in convincing style by WA owned Soho Tribeca, in a dazzling 1:56.9 over the marathon 2936m, last quarters 27.5 and 27.9. What a great result for WA owner Robert Watson who has invested heavily in breeding and racing, both in WA and elsewhere.

Following an excellent win the previous week, 5yo gelding Abraxas Blues (Santanna Blue Chip out of Apache Kitten by Badlands Hanover) stepped out from barrier 2 in Heat 2 of the Nights of Thunder, with regular driver (and previous trainer) Kim Prentice on board. Starting second favourite, Abraxas Blues was beaten for early speed and settled behind the early leader and San Simeon winner Aussie Delight. The first quarter was run in 27.9 and the speed was on all the way. Coming out of the back straight the breeze horse Americanbootscoota started to tire, leaving room for Abraxas Blues to come off the rails and make a run. Coming into the home straight Abraxas Blues was doing best and raced to the lead with 90m and withstood a challenge from the fast finishing Real Lucky to win the $22,000 Heat 2 of the Nights of Thunder by a head in a lifetime best mile rate of 1:53.8.

The win was the second for new trainer Bryan Cousins and took Abraxas Blues to $106,931 from 11 wins and 19 places. Abraxas Blues was bred by Deb Prentice, Mark Conlan, P Kennedy, G Chappell and C Berryman. He is the first winner of only three foals from Apache Kitten whose racing career consisted of only two starts including a 5th in the 2009 Diamond Classic.

Starting third favourite after a good 3rd the previous week, 9yo gelding El Machine (Elsu out of Fashion Statement by New York Motoring) eased out of the barrier from 4 but with no real speed early, he landed the one out one back position. With the stablemate in front but pulling hard, El Machine was in the prime position to go forward. Driver Chris Voak moved El Machine 3 wide at the 400m and coming to the home turn he joined the two leaders and on straightening he raced away to win Heat 2 of the Im Themightyquinn by 7.9m, mile rate 1:58.2 and last quarter 28.6. It was his first win since February 2016 when he was a good winner of the Group 2 $50,000 RWWA Cup and took his tally to 22 wins and 20 places for $260,892.

Bred by Ian Davie, El Machine is the fourth foal and fourth winner from the lightly raced Fashion Statement, who now has five winners from 6 foals of racing age. El Machine was a $5,000 purchase at the 2010 WA Yearling Sale and his wins include the Village Kid Sprint at Northam, and the Manea Classic at Bunbury.

After some good placings at his previous three starts, 4yo gelding Kerrin Joseph (Somebeachsomewhere out of Like A Dame by Golden Greek) started favourite from barrier 1 in the $18,000 MO The Sports Daily Pace. Stepping off well from the barrier, he was unable to hold out Nothingbutadream who sizzled out and quickly had the rails. With a good gap between the first two and the field, the Kerrin Joseph scooted around Nothingbutadream, who was happy to take the trail behind the Chris Lewis driven race favourite. With the race run at a steady pace and the second favourite in the breeze, Kerrin Joseph controlled the race and without looking in real danger he went on to win by 1.9m in 1:57.1, last quarters 28.2 and 29.2. The win was the 8th for the half brother to David Hercules (Artesian) 1:52.7 39 wins $1,263,159. Along with 5 places the Steve Johnson bred Kerrin Joseph now has stakes just under $53,000.

The dam Like A Dame has a 100% record with 7 foals of racing age for 7 winners, including Hugh Victor (Artesian) 1:54.9 13 wins $133,919. Hold Tight (Embrace Me), the unraced dam of Like A Dame, is also the dam of Go By Jet (Whats Next) 20 wins and $91,746, Fake Embrace (Fake Left) 1:53.4 37 wins $240,249, and non winners Hotniten Georgia (Albert Albert) and Endless Journey (Die Laughing). Endless Journey is the dam of $100,000 Pearl winner Isaiah Artois (Modern Art) 1:58.3 9 wins $117,351 and Hotniten Georgia is the dam of Supreme Royalty (Parsons Den) winner of over $93,000 in her career including the Group 2 2008 $50,000 2yo Fillies State Sires Series.

Starting equal second favourite in a fairly open race 5yo gelding Brotha Ofa Gangsta (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Stephanie Rose by Northern Lights) moved forward out of the barrier and with the favourite from 1 racing to the lead, Brotha Ofa Gangsta settled in the breeze. The leading pair were still there at the 400 with the run to the finish a real fight between these two, with Brotha Ofa Gansta just too strong and grabbing the spoils on the line in the $18,000 Download the Tabtouch App Today M0, running 1:58.1 and last quarters 28.6 and 28.8. The win was the 11th for the Steve Johnson bred Brotha Ofa Gangsta and along with 15 places his earnings are in excess of $71,000. It was also a double in consecutive races for breeder Steve Johnson.

Stephanie Rose, the unraced dam of Brotha Ofa Gangsta, is the dam of three winners including Arts Gangsta (Modern Art) 1:57.1 11 wins $66,827. Stephanie Rose is part of the Miranda Bay family, an extensive family that has produced innumerable top class winners. Stephanie Rose is a half sister to Jodi Vance (Vance Hanover) 2:04.1 $10,635 the dam of Surprise Package (Butler B G) 1:52.2 28 wins $848,679 and also granddam of Ricimer (Ponder) 1:51.4 $177,988. Foys Folly (Tay Bridge), the dam of Stephanie Rose and Jodi Vance, is a half sister to Miranda Belle (Meadow Al), Miranda Lass (Gentry) and Miranda Star (Gentry). Miranda Belle is the granddam of good winner Julie Vance (Vance Hanover) the dam of Knight Vance (Tuapeka Knight) 1:53.1 $311,451 and Precious Dylan ( Precious Bunny) 1:56.3 $349,588. Miranda Lass is the granddam of Shardons Aflyin (Sands A Flyin) 1:57.4 $500,651 and Shardons Way (Paysons Brother) the dam of Shardons Rocket 1:54 $615,855. Miranda Star is the dam of Disco Girl (Berry Hanover), the dam of Christopher Vance (Vance Hanover) 1:54.6 $1,747,167 and Missy Lou (Smooth Fella). Bringing the family up to date, Maczaffair (Mach Three) 1:55.4 $347,898 and Golden State (Big Jim) 1:57.4 $123,990 are out of Presidential Affair (Presidential Ball), a granddaughter of Missy Lou. This is a fabulous family with numerous other high end earners.

Starting from 5 and staying out of the early tempo with the horses from barriers 1, 2 and 4 settling on the rails, 7yo gelding Real Zeal (Real Desire out of Rich Date by Rich And Spoilt) was driven forward beautifully by Chris Voak to settle in the one out one back. The lead time was fast at 36.2 and with the leaders slowing in the first quarter there was an attack by Khun Ratha on the leading pair, putting Real Zeal back to one out and two back. Real Zeal was travelling well in the back straight and made a three wide move at the 400. Rounding the home turn 3 wide, Real Zeal hit the front at the 100 and withstood a strong challenge from Auctioneers Elsu to win the Tabtouch Westbred C5 to C9 Pace by 2.7m in 1:57.9, last quarters 28.9 and 28.8. The win was the 10th for Real Zeal who also won in December, and took his stakes to just over $93,000 from his 10 wins and 22 places.

Real Zeal is the first of three winners from his 100% producing dam Rich Date 2:01.1 $13,750. who is also the dam of Archie Rich (Courage Under Fire) 1:55.8 $27,857. My Sweet Flame (My Handsome Fella) 2:00.3 12 wins $42,905 is also the dam of Rich Date's full sister the unraced My Sweet Adda, who is the dam of Blacknsweet Adda (Sutter Hanover) 1:55.2 21 wins $199,367. The granddam of My Sweet Flame is a half sister to Rich Sister (Richmond) who is the dam of good race mare and top notch broodmare Miss Paula (Tompkins Hanover) 1:59.5 $159,395. Miss Paula is the dam of 10 winners including Australina 2yo of the Year Greg Kelly (Presidential Ball) 1:56.4 $345,150, McRaes Mate (Albert Albert)1:51.8 $482,053,1:57.2 Albert Kelly (Albert Albert) $322,320 and Macca Kelly (Mach Three) 1:51.1 $293,132. One of the least successful race winners out of Miss Paula was Jackie Kelly (Albert Albert) 2:01.6 3 wins $6,500, the dam of millionaire Frith (Modern Art) 1:50.1 $1,180,345.

FREMANTLE CUP NIGHT

(12 Jan 2018) Fremantle Cup night and what a race! It also produced a top effort from Maczaffair to win her second consecutive race in an open age group, this time by nearly 17m. 3yo filly Miss Sangrial vindicated her supporters with a win in a $18,000 3CO and better. The Cup itself was an unbelievable race by two champion horses, with Lazarus putting up a herculean effort three wide all the way to run second to the swooper and 53/1 outsider My Hard Copy. One of the most gallant performances ever. Not to be outdone our WA bred horses won three races on this special night.

Recently transferred to the stables of Bryan Cousins, 5yo gelding Abraxas Blues (Santanna Blue Chip out of Apache Kitten by Badlands Hanover) started from the outside of the front line and with the speed really on at barrier rise, driver Kim Prentice took the wise decision to restrain Abraxas Blues to be last into the first turn. After the field settled into a slower first quarter, Abraxas Blues made a forward move three wide at the 1200m and was running 5th with 800 to go. In the back straight Abraxas Blues had made up good ground out three wide and was now running third, ready to pounce on the leading pair. Not long after the breeze horse Major Catastrophe hit the front, Abraxas Blues challenged for the lead and at the 400m was in front. However, Major Catastrophe was fighting back on the inside and there was a challenge on the outside to make it three in line on the corner. Showing his strength, Abraxas Blues fought it out all the way and went on to win the $22,000 Retravision Air Conditioning Pace for M1 to M3 by 1.2m from Major Catastrophe. The win was the 10th for Abraxas Blues and along with 19 places he has nearly $94,000 in stakes.

Abraxas Blues was bred by Deb Prentice, Mark Conlan, P Kennedy, G Chappell and C Berryman. He is the first foal from Apache Kitten (dec) who had a very short racing career of two starts - 2nd in a heat of the Diamond and 5th in the 2009 final. Her unraced dam Silk Lining (In The Pocket) is a half sister to Badlands Chief (Badlands Hanover) 1:59.6 14 wins $73,310 in stakes and a full sister to Styx Mistress, the dam of Wrinkle Knutt (Safely Kept) 1:59.9 15 wins $107,188.

After a year away from the winners circle, it was a great result for owner breeder John Bell with 6yo gelding Master Jaxon (by Cams Fool out of Kenzie May Belle by Orleans) saluting the judge after a run of outs. Starting from barrier 6, and going forward from the barrier, driver Colin Brown had Master Jaxon in the breeze position after entering the home straight the first time. With a slow lead time and steady first and second quarters, Master Jaxon was comfortably sitting outside the race leader and favourite Dredlock Rockstar. Speeding up to a 28 second third quarter, Master Jaxon had levelled up with the race leader. Coming to the turn Dredlock Rockstar just held the lead but Master Jaxon looked to have his measure with the only question being whether he could hold out a late challenge from A Bit Ruthless who found room on the inside of a shifting Dredlock Rockstar. Master Jaxon went to the lead and went on to win Heat 2 of the Im Themightyquinn for M2 class by 1.6m from A Bit Ruthless, with the last quarter 28.5 and the mile rate 1:58.1. With 20 wins and 13 places he now has $148,637 in stakes from 20 wins (including the 2016 $50,000 Group 2 San Simeon Classic) and 13 places.

Both Master Jaxon and his dam Kenzie May Belle were sired by a WA based sire. Kenzie May Belle had 7 starts for 4 places, and is a half sister to Danieljohn (Blissfull Hall) 1:56.1, 27 wins and $274,152. Danieljohn's wins including Harvey Cup and Italian Sprint, and the 2015 XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Boulder Pacing Cup and the 2013 $50,000 San Simeon! Kenzie May Belle is a daughter of Aussie Evita (Armbro Aussie) 2:01.8 8 wins $17,975 and a sister to one other winner. Orleans 1:58 $97,309 was a quality race horse winning several metropolitan races and the Sales Classic. He is by champion sire Classic Garry and is a son of a half sister to Australian champion filly and Australian Broodmare of the Year Misty Maiden.

After a challenging Inter Dominion series amongst the best horses in Australasia, it was back to normal for 7yo gelding Tanaka Eagle (Elsu out of Miss Tanaka by Badlands Hanover) who started from 6 on the front in the Retravision Your Fujitsu Specialist Pace for C5 to C9. Restraining out of the barrier driver Mitch Miller had Tanaka Eagle last on settling, but only one out and 3 back. Following a change in the leaders role with a mile to go, Tanaka Eagle improved to be one out and two back and going into the back straight the last time and with a faster 3rd quarter, Tanaka Eagle was on the steel. At the 400 Tanaka Eagle moved up three wide and was four wide and making a solid run coming out of the back straight the last time. Coming around the home turn he looked the likely winner and grabbed the lead at the 50m to go on and win the C5 to C9 by 2.5m in 1:59, last qtr 28.8. The win was a welcome change of luck for owner trainer Reg Phillips, with Tanaka Eagle now up to stakes of nearly $190,000 from 19 wins and 36 places.

(5 Jan 2018) A classy night of racing to start the new year, with Maczaffair winning Heat 1 of the Im Themightyquinn in impressive style, Ultimate Machete (stakes now $800,000) making it 3 from 3 in WA in winning the $22,000 M2 to M4 Pace and Lazarus raced in the breeze and won the M0 and better FFA by 12m. Our WA bred horses also made the night memorable.

Very nice odds if you had them. 9yo gelding Glow Bright (Artesian out of Bailee Renouf by Mystical Prince) started not surprisingly at long odds of 33/1 given that short priced favourite Handsandwheels looked a certainty, even though drawn wide, with second favourite Bettor Boa starting in 1. Starting from 5 over the 2130m after a scratching, Glow Bright was driven brilliantly out of the barrier to get the sit behind Bettor Boa, with Handsandwheels caught three wide and having to restrain into the one one after going hard out of the barrier. After the early burst, the pace slowed right down and the breeze horse Lightning Jolt, who was pulling hard in the slow pace, challenged for the lead after a lap but was unable to cross. In the back straight the last time Lightning Jolt behand to tire and Handsandwheels moved three wide. Glow Bright was right behind Bettor Boa and travelling well. Coming to the home turn, Handandwheels was not making up a lot of ground, whereas Glow Bright was coming hard after the leader. In the straight Glow Bright raced up to Bettor Boa and drew clear to win the Choices Flooring C5-C9 Westbred Pace by 2.1m, with Handsandwheels just getting to second on the line. The win was the 15th for Glow Bright, who is owned by and was bred by Elderbell Holdings. Along with 33 places his earnings are just short of $169,000.

Quality 5yo mareDior Mia More (Tintin In America out of I Am Special by Live Or Die) Won her 4th race this season from 8 starts, including 3 places, after a break from racing of 18 months. Dior Mia More started short priced favourite from 5 and came out fast but was initially caught 4 deep into the first turn. Persevering, Kim Prentice continued forward and Dior Mia More was the leader passing the post the first time. The lead time was quite solid at 36.4 and there was little change until the 400m. Dior Mia More was still striding out in front on the home turn with the two Desires, Alkiras and Mileys who had travelled on the rails behind Dior, running home well. However, Dior Mia More was in control, and won the $18,000 M0 Mares Pace by 3m with Mileys Desire grabbing Alkiras Desire on the line to finish second. A nice result for the three WA bred mares. Bred by Brett Coffey, the classy mare now has $57,449 from only 14 lifetime starts that has included 7 wins and 4 places. Winner of the WASBA Country Oaks, Dior Mia More set her lifetime best mile rate of 1:53.2 as a 3yo at her very first start.

I Am Special (Live Or Die) 1:57.4 $74,744 the dam of Dior Mia More, won the 2009 WASBA Breeders Stakes and other metropolitan races. She is the dam of three foals of racing age, includig a current 2yo, for two winners. Her dam Kelty Star (Caprock), the winner of one race, has produced 6 winners at stud including Chiaroscuro (Art Major) 1:57.6 7 wins $33,113, the winner of 4 successive races this season from 4 starts. Kelty Star is a full sister to Jillbo 1:53.8 27 wins $272,951, the dam of 5 winners including Jackaroo Bromac (McArdle) 1:52.4 26 wins $220,966 and Juliette Bromac (Art Major) 1:54.5 9 wins $99,546 and granddam of Aldebaran Macha (Mach Three) 1:54.7 17 wins $127,032.

Proving that “you can win it if you are in it”, the consistent 3yo Marquisard (Mach Three out of Le Chambon by Art Major) came up trumps in the last of the night, the $20,000 Perth Plasterboard Centre 3YO Pace. Starting at 77/1 from barrier 5, driver Morgan Woodley restrained the gelding out of the barrier and after the field “settled”, was in a rails position but last. Cott Beach flew out from the barrier but couldn’t cross to the lead with second favourite Mistahmistah holding her out and leading. With the place now slow and a horse coming three wide, Cott Beach began to overrace in the breeze and demonstrating clearly her intention and not that of her driver, she surged forward. The two leaders were now both overracing. Racing fiercely, Cott Beach was pulled out of the race with a lap to go after almost choking down. At this stage Marquisard was still a clear last. In the back straight the leader was being tackled by race favourite Miss Sangrial and new kid on the block Bechers Brook (a full brother to Breeders Crown Champion Our Waikiki Beach), with these racing changes bringing Marquisard into a rails position two behind the race leader, but still last. Coming out of the back straight Marquisard was able to improve his position moving between tiring runners and coming into the home turn he was three wide and a definite threat. Down the home straight it was three across the track and in a brilliant finish it was Marquisard by a half head over Bechers Brook, with favourite Mistahmistah in third in a mile rate of 1:58.6, final qtrs. 28.5 and 29.5. The win was the 4th by the lightly raced Marqisard, who has now won $26,408 for owner breeder Patrick Gilroy.

Marquisard is the only foal of racing age from his unraced dam, Le Chambon. This is a very old female line, producing many top horses from yesteryear including NZ Derby NZ Cup and champion sire Chamfer, leading performers and sires Kudos, Gentry and Scottish Brigade.

THE CHASE IS ON

(29 Dec 2017) Definitely warming up for the New Year and the January Group 1s. Devendra stepped out for his first run since a disappointing Inters Consolation and with a new driver and new trainer under direction from Todd Rattray. His win was excellent and looked like the Devendra of old. No luck again for A Picadilly Princess who ran second. An excellent win by Bettors Fire in 1:52.6, with a punchy drive by Kyle Harper probably the drive of the night in winning the $50,000 Village Kid Sprint. A very good win by Maczaffair in the $25,000 The Coulson Final. And there was some excellent performances by WA bred horses.

WA Derby winner, now 4yo gelding Handsandwheels (Mach Three out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art) was in the $18,000 Book Into The Beau Rivage Restaurant pace for M0 and won well. Going straight to the front from barrier 1 his backers didnt have any worries. He was always going comfortably and moves in the back straight the last time made little impression as he stretched his lead to round the home turn a clear leader. Handsandwheels went further ahead and won by 6m with 9.1m to third. The mile rate for the 2130m journey was 1:56.6 with last quarters in 28.6 and 27. 5. The win was his 10th and along with 9 places he has $274,822 in stakes including the 2017 WA Derby and 2017 3yo Westbred Classic. Handandwheels won once from 10 starts as a 2yo and had 6 wins and 5 places from 15 starts as a 3yo.

Bred by Mike Howie, Handandwheels is out of Benjor Maddy Lombo (Perfect Art) 2:01.8 3 wins $21,511 who has produced 6 starters from 6 foals of racing age for 4 winners including Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven) 1:58.2 3 wins $58,880 and WASBA King Lethbridge winner Maddy White (Lombo Mandingo) 1:56.9 $110,824. Magic Maddy Lombo (Classic Garry), the dam of Benjor Maddy Lombo, had limited racing success but has been a top class broodmare, with 6 winners including Sweet Maddy Lombo (Panorama) 1:59.5 11 wins $106,588, Miss Trickin Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1:53.3 15 wins $230,312, Suave Stuey Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1:49.6 33 wins $587,032 and Soho Madeleine (Bettors Delight) 1:56.8 9 wins $96,803. Magic Maddy Lombo's dam Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper) 1:59.4 $245,449 was Australian 3yo Filly of the Year as well as being named Australian Broodmare of the Year as the dam of Australian 2yo and Horse of the Year in Lombo Pocket Watch.

After Handsandwheels won in the first we waited for the last race of the night for a special filly. 3yo Cott Beach (Advance Attack out of Back In The Black by Armbro Operative) showed exhilarating speed out of the barrier to race to the front from her barrier 9, leaving the favourite Miss Sangrial, out of barrier 4, in the breeze. Thats how the race was run, with Beaudiene Beach Babe, who had been running two back on the fence, getting clear at the 400 to make a run with Miss Sangrial beaten on the home turn. Although Cott Beach was getting tired, the win was never in doubt and she won the Happy New Year from Gloucester Park 3yo Fillies Pace by 3.9m in 1:56.2, last half 57.2. The win was her 9th with 5 placings from 15 starts. New trainer Kristy Elson now has a 3rd and a first, and Cott Beach has 3 wins from 5 starts this season.

Bred by Mal and Tanya Hancock but purchased in utero by Peter King and Barbara Pellick, Cott Beach is the 4th foal and second winner from Back In The Black 1:58.1, 7 wins 18 places and $58,780. She in turn is a daughter of prolific winner Black And Blue (Northern Lights) 1:57.2 17 wins 21 places and $212,495, winner of the the Daintys Daughter 3yo Fillies Classic, the State Sires Classic for 3yo fillies and the 4 and 5yo Championship. Black And Blue is a daughter of another exceptional broodmare in Bonnie Blue Eyes (Golden Greek) 1:56.9,12 wins $87,565. Bonnie Blue Eyes produced 8 winners including fast class WA pacer No Blue Manna (Mystical Prince) 1:56.6 41 wins $628,157, Baby Blues (Safely Kept) 1:56.3 14 wins and $115,032 and Big Blue Eyes (Red River Hanover) the dam of Three Bears (Bettors Delight) 1:53.6 $127,501.

RETURNING WINNERS AND A QUIET ACHIEVER

(22 Dec 2017) The last meeting before Christmas. Those who weren't surprised by the previous win in the $50,000 Trotters Cup by 6yo trotting mare Itsgettingcalder could have got nice odds of 5/1 for the mare's second win in a fortnight. An excellent return to racing by My Hard Copy, back with Gary Hall Snr, and Bettors Fire, who finished 1-2 in the feature race, with visiting mare A Picadilly Princess in third after starting from 8 and breezing all the way. Good wins by the mares CC Chevron (Heat 3 of The Coulson) and El Cartel. Just the one Westbred winner on the night, a quiet achiever.

In the C5 to C9 Westbred, the favourite Dior Mia More again showed good gate speed and went to the front from her barrier 1, with 7yo gelding Khun Ratha (Bettors Delight out of Calafia by Holmes Hanover) restraining from his barrier 6 to settle second last. The speed was on in the first quarter with changes up front and Dior Mia More holding her position in front after a fast first quarter of 28.3. With a lap to go after avoiding all the speed at the front, Khun Ratha led up the three wide line and was running 3rd at the 400, but still three wide. Around the turn into the home straight Khun Ratha joined Dior Mia More at the front and hit the front at the 100m, going on to win by 2.4m from from the fast finishing Glow Bright with Dior Mia More holding on for third.

Bred and raced by Paul Poli, Khun Ratha has quietly accumulated $142,801 from 14 wins and 35 places, with a best mile rate of 1:55.4. Won just under $36,000 last season and has $22,000 this season. Ran 3rd to Mister Jadore in the 2014 Westbred 3yo C/G Classic. Dam Calafia 2:00.1 won 8 races with 10 places for over $43,000 in stakes. Khun Ratha is her first foal and first winner. Calafia's unraced dam Deselle (Jefferson Admiral) has produced 3 winners, is a half sister to Abdias (Surmo Hanover) 1:55 30 wins $260,771. This family has produced several very good winners without anyone being a standout. Winners include Machtavish (Mach Three) 1:52.9 24 wins $276,823, Callaway Bromac (McArdle) 1:56.1 2o wins $138,929. Another arm of the family through a half sister to the granddam of Deselle and the arm of this family has produced Buck The Odds 1:55.6 31 wins $307,547, Northern Assassin (Northern Luck) 1:51.8 13 wins $132,593 and Might Be Luck (Northern Luck) 1:55 18 wins $120,584.

SOME GOOD LUCK

(15 Dec 2017) There was other excellent results for connections, with the in form mare Michelle Meilland winning her M0. Four yos Vampiro, Rock Diamonds and Wrappers Delight made up for no luck the previous week in the Golden Nugget by winning. Our Westbreds were there as well.

With a very good percentage of placings to starts and from very few starts, it was an excellent win for 7yo gelding Ruling Gold (Life Sign out of Gold Stature by Stature) in the $18,000 Cowden Insurance Brokers M0. Starting at good odds of 13/1 after unable to get a run at his previous two unplaced starts, Ruling Gold was restrained from the barrier and settled one out three back, with the favourite Ima Rocknroll Legend last in the moving line. The first and second quarters were moderate, with no moves until a lap to go when Ima Rocknroll Legend made his move three wide. Chris Lewis put Ruling Gold right behind the favourite and they rapidly covered the field in a 27.9 quarter. Coming out of the back Ima Rocknroll Legend was three wide and challenging for the lead, with Ruling Gold tracking his every move. Entering the straight Ruling Gold went 4 wide down the outside and was looking the winner with 100m to go, and came away to win by 6.7m with a dead heat for second and third. The win was the 6th for Ruling Gold since resuming racing in April 2017 after nearly 4 years away from the track. Raced by Denise Trobe and his breeder Jeanine Diederich, Ruling Gold has taken his career stakes to $48,499 from 27 starts that have included 16 places.

Ruling Gold is a full brother to 2013 Binshaw Classic winner Red Salute 1:55.3 18 wins $264,048. Their dam Gold Stature (Stature) 2:01.7 won 14 races and $61,562 in her career and is the dam of one other winner. Her dam Gold Fire (Armbro Unitas) is the dam of 6 winners including Gold Status (Stature) 2:01.5 $57,325. The maternal line of this family has produced Composed (Our Sir Vancelot) 1:51.7 $493,472, multiple Group 1 winners For Dear Life (Life Sign) 1:55.8 $322,331 and Flight Path (Artplace) 1:55.9 $290,684, and Group 2 and 2012 Binshaw Classic winner Please Release Me (Christian Cullen) 1:54.4 $252,600. Of note also from this maternal line is the sire Aksarben (Light Brigade) who was sire of the dam of the incomparable Mount Eden.

If there were any doubters to his ability that werent satisfied by his 4th in the 2017 Inter Dominion Final, they were quieter after his excellent win in the $25,000 M0 and better Last Minute Christmas Functions Pace over 2536m. Vultan Tin (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Ellevarrac by Pacific Fella) stepped out from barrier 5 and settled one out one back, with the race leader, under new driving instructions and driver, well out in front. After half a lap the 6yo gelding Vultan Tin left his position to take over in the breeze. Driver Chris Voak allowed race leader Ideal Alice, who was over racing with a lap and a half to go, to extend her lead to a good 10m. At the bell Vultan Tin closed the gap to a length and down the back he raced up to Ideal Alice who kicked up on his inside. Cornering, Ideal Alice was still in front but tiring and Vultan Tin was in the lead with 100 to go. Withstanding late challenges from the fast finishing Motu Premier and Ohoka Punter he went on to win by a head in 1:56.1, last qtrs 28.5 and 28.8. The win was the 14th and with 27 places his stakes are now $282,069.

Vultan Tin had had an excellent season, winning over $116,000 following a super 2016/17 season in which he won $110,039 which included the $20,000 Italian Cup and $30,000 Narrogin Cup, both over the longer journey. Vultan Tin was bred and owned by Phil and Daniel Costello and is also trained by Phil, who also bred his dam Ellevarrac (Pacific Fella) 1:59.3 and $12,896. This is a very old female line and members of one of the other arms of the family include Indomitable (Saab) 1:53.8 $133,759.

Starting in barrier 4, 5yo mare Dior Mia More (Tintin In America out of I Am Special by Live Or Die) got away well and raced straight to the front, with Auctioneers Elsu getting the sit behind her. Maczaffair, after a terrific run the previous week to be second to Ultimate Machete in the Golden Nugget, was one out one back. With the slow lead time, Maczaffair moved out from her one one position to take the breeze. A slow first qtr was followed by a fast second qtr and the pace really went up a notch in the 27.4 third quarter, with Maczaffair struggling to make an impression on Dior Mia More. Rounding the home turn it was a closer tussle, but Dior Mia More under urging had Maczaffair's measure tonight, and went on to win Heat 2 of The Coulson for M1 mares by 1.9m with Auctioneers Elsu a little unlucky on her inside in third. Shes Artful, after galloping out from barrier 1 was a meritorious 4th. The last qtr was 28.4 and the mile rate a handy 1:57.

This was the 6th win overall for the Brett Coffey bred Dior Mia More, her second consecutive win and third win in 18 days. Her stakes tally is now $43,795, with a good future ahead of her. Her dam I Am Special 1:57.4 $74,744 won the 2009 WASBA Breeders Stakes amongst her 6 wins in good company and has two winners from two foals of racing age.

THE BIGGEST NIGHT

(8 Dec 2017) It was a big crowd on course and apart from the Australian harness major event of the year, the $1.1 million 2017 Inter Dominion Final, there was terrific racing from first to last. The 6yo trotting mare Itsgettingcalder blitzed the field in the $50,000 Schneider Electric Trotters Cup, winning by 23m with another 13m to 3rd. The final heats of the International Drivers Series were run and the racing was top class.

In an excellent promotion there was also an Invitational mares race for female drivers, won by WA bred 5yo mare Dior Mia More driven by WA's Kiara Davies. Dior Mia More (Tintin In America by I Am Special by Live Or Die) started from barrier 1 as favourite and held out an early challenge from Chevrons Champion to be race leader, lead time a solid 36.1. The next three quarters were evenly run and the first moves came in the back straight the last time, with Dior Mia More still looking comfortable. Coming out of the back straight the challenge was from Bettor Bling who had sat behind the race leader, and Madame Meilland who had raced midfield. Running to the line Dior Mia More held the lead and went on to win by 1.6m with 13.5m to 3rd. A good drive and a good result, with the mile rate an excellent 1:55.7 over the 2130m, last qtr in 27.5. Bred by Brett Coffey, this is her second win in 11 days and 5th overall, and takes her stakes to $38,671 from only 10 starts.

Dior Mia More only resumed racing in November 2017 after an absence of 18 months. She won 3 races in March/April 2016 as a 3yo, including a record breaking 1:53.2 at her first race start as a 3yo, and a win in the WASBA Country Oaks. Dior Mia More had one race start as a 2yo. Her dam I Am Special (Live Or Die) 1:57.4 $74,744 was a very good race mare, with her wins including the 2009 WASBA Breeders Stakes. She is the dam of two foals of racing age, both winners. Her dam Kelty Star (Caprock) won one race, and is the dam of five other winers including Chiaroscuro (Art Major) 1:57.6 7 wins $33,113, the winner of 4 successive races this season. Kelty Star is a full sister to Jillbo 1:53.8 27 wins $272,951, the dam of 5 winners including Jackaroo Bromac (McArdle) 1:52.4 26 wins $220,966 and Juliette Bromac (Art Major) 1:54.5 9 wins $99546.

After a top class second the previous week, 6yo gelding Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight out of Texan Cowgirl by Fake Left) started at the generous odds of 30/1 from his barrier 4. Restrained out of the barrier, he settled one out back with some quality horses in front of him like favourite and race leader Talktomeurmattjesty and second favourite Thereugo, who was one out one back. The pace was kept on with a lead time of 37.4 and first qtr a solid 28.6, keeping the field honest. after an even second qtr Thereugo moved three wide to make a forward move and with other runners following, Aussie Delight was in the delightful position of being one out one back at the 400, with the 3rd qtr run in a stretching 27.6. He then moved three wide and entering the straight he raced up on the outside and hit the front at the 100m, going on to hold out fast finishers Khun Ratha and Livura (the last horses on the rails with a lap to go) and win the Group 2 $50,000 Princi Butchers Binshaw Classic for the M1 class. It was his lifetime best mile rate of 1:55.2.

Bred and part owned by Dene Bickers, the win took his stakes $113,475 from 12 wins and 7 places. It was also the second Binshaw win for driver Chris Alford, having been successful in 2015 on Major Catastrophe. Previously Aussie Delight won 4 races in a row in May/June 2016.

Texan Cowgirl (Fake Left) 6 wins 10 places 2:02.2 $20,645, the dam of Aussie Delight is the dam of 6 winners from 8 foals of racing age including Aussie Reactor 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425, Texan Jet (Jet Laag) and the unraced Bootscootngirl (Parsons Den). Texan Jet is the dam of Anvil Rollover (Artistic Fella) 1:56.1 6 wins $34,215. Bootscootngirl (Parsons Den) is the dam of full brothers Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot) 1:52.5 15 wins $177,254 and Lot Twenty One 1:56.7 5 wins $46,890. Texan Cowgirl is a full sister to Madusa Cam (Fake Left) 1:58.9 11 wins $94,162 and Capricorn Cruiser (Kinney Hanover) 1:57.6 17 wins $206,464. Their dam Texan Classic (Classic Garry) is an unraced daughter of Texan Lady (Hilarious Way) the winner of 7 races and $34,153 in the early 80s. She in turn is a granddaugther of Tasmanian Derby winner Heather Bay (Scotty Belmont) who is a full sister to champion pacers of the 60s in Joseph Scott and Valencia Bay.

The third leg of the mare’s races was the $125,000 Westral Mares Classic, with the previous two events going to top quality mares Ameretto and A Picadilly Princess, with the WA raced NZ mare Ideal Alice (American Ideal out of Bonsoir by Armbro Operative) running second in both. The 7yo Ideal Alice started from the second row outside A Picadilly Princess who was drawn in 10. Ameretto had barrier 5. Eden Franco from barrier 1 easily won the start and went straight to the front and the pace was right on, with the lead time very fast at 64.9. A Picadilly Princess settled behind Eden Franco on the rails with Ideal Alice behind her. Ameretto was forced to cover extra ground three wide for a lap until gaining the breeze position outside Eden Franco. With 600 to go Ameretto was still holding her position and tackling the leader, but the hard run was starting to tell. The 2536m race was being run at better than 1:56 and the third quarter was 28.8 with no breathers so far. Running to the home turn Gary Hall Jnr was first to move from the rails, tucking in behind Ameretto. It was the winning move, with Ameretto still racing for the lead and Ideal Alice now in the clear three wide. It was a three horse war with Ameretto getting the better of Eden Franco only to be run down by Ideal Alice. A Picadilly Princess could not get clear and finished 5th, with Eden Franco being pipped for third by the fast finishing Quite A Delight. The mile rate was an exceptional 1:55.5 and last qtr 28.6.

Ideal Alice has a lifetime best mile rate of 1:53.4 and has won over $400,000. She is one of the best race mares to run in this state, arriving here as a 4yo. Ideal Alice won the 2016 WASBA Breeders Stakes and the Parliamentarians Cup and just missed out on the Harness Horse of the Year at Gloucester Park in 2016. She is in foal to Art Major and is returning to New Zealand to her owner Phil Cook. We wish her and Phil all the best.

The big one was race 6 and it was a race of the best and most eligible horses currently racing in Australasia. We also had a guest visit by Im Themightyquinn, winner of the Inter Dominion three times and winner of $4.5 million in stakes.

Tiger Tara started in barrier 1 and not unexpectedly kept the race lead after making his intentions clear at barrier rise. Chicago Bull who started in 10 was quickly up behind Tiger Tara when Soho Tribeca, who started in 4, checked to see if the spot was free and then settled in the breeze. Lennytheshark, who was drawn awkwardly in 6, was in two minds before moving forward and taking the breeze off Soho Tribeca after 300m. Mark Purdon elected to have the 5yo entire Lazarus (Bettors Delight out of Bethany by Christian Cullen) stay out of the early speed battle but moved around after a lap from one out two back position to take the breeze from Lennytheshark without any challenge. Little changed until the 1100m when Have Faith in Me made a fast forward move. Tiger Tara at the front ran a 27.4 third qtr, with Lazarus and Have Faith In Me on his outside, Lennytheshark behind Lazarus and Chicago Bull then Vultan Tin behind Tiger Tara. At the 400m it was still Tiger Tara from Lazarus but entering the home straight it was Lazarus in front by a whisker. Chicago Bull was off the fence and coming down the outside three wide but it was all Lazarus, going on to win by 4.1m from a valiant Chicago Bull and Tiger Tara doing an admirable job to hold on to 3rd from the fast finishing Vultan Tin. The final quarter was run in 27.2, giving a final half of an astonishing 54.6 with a mile rate of 1:57.6 for the 2936m journey.

The next race was the $200,000 Golden Nugget for the 4yos and another brillaint exhibition of pacing. Lucky with barrier draws, getting barrier 1 in both the $125,000 Yes Loans Four-Year-Old Classic and the $200,000 Retravision Golden Nugget, brilliant 4yo entire Ultimate Machete(Bettors Delight out of Reality Check by Armbro Operative) was again beaten for speed out of the barrier. 4yo mare Maczaffair put the cat among the pidgeons by dashing from barrier 6 to grab the race lead, forcing Mark Purdon on Ultimate Machete to break the rules and push the horse on his outside wide to avoid being locked in behind the leader, and disadvantaged the wider runner Vampiro. Ultimate Machete then went straight to the front and ran comfortable first and second quarters, making the run home an outright sprint. Maczaffair was held up briefly in the straight and finished exceptionally well down the outside to run second. The mile rate was 1:57.6, with last qtrs 28.8 and 27.6

Ultimate Machete was found to be sore after the race and like driver Mark Purdon, was due to have a short break from racing. Of note to breeders is that Ultimate Machete is a half brother to Major Reality (Art Major)1:54 $390,989, winner of the 2015 WA Oaks and the 2016 Norms Daughter Classic.

WASBA has included an interesting article on Ultimate Machete in the Summer Trackbred, and you can also read a similar story in the online Racing Ahead.

LAST CHANCE TO MAKE IT TO THE TOP

(1 Dec 2017) The final night of heats was over the 2536m journey. It was the stayers' test, and after the previous two nights of Heats there was still some spots up for grabs. There was an excellent support cast as well.

Heat 7 had two previous Heat winners in Chicago Bull and Tiger Tara. Chicago Bull (Bettors Delight out of Chicago Blues by Christian Cullen) stepped out from 1 and went straight to the lead, with Tiger Tara settling in the breeze and Shandale one out one back. The lead time was 68.9 and there was no need to set any race records, with the field settling into a routine run. The pace stepped up in the third quarter to a super 26.8 and the two leaders separated from the field. Tiger Tara tried hard but Chicago Bull was unextended to win by 3.8m in a mile rate of 1:56 flat, last qtr 27.7. Tiger Tara finished second with Majordan, who sat behind Chicago Bull for the journey, holding on for third. The Bucket List finished fast to run 4th with Shandale fading to 5th.

The mares Group 3, the $30,000 Parliamentarians Cup, was up next. In a very competetive start and a fast lead time of 35.8, it was 4 across the track entering the home straight the first time, with A Picadilly Princess (Bettors Delight out of Hyde Park Royal by Holmes Hanover) in 2 eventually taking the running from Ideal Alice who started in 1. Bettor Be Supreme, who was 4 wide, took the breeze from Donegal Rundlescreek. That didnt last long with Donegal Rundlescreek nipping around to take the breeze during a slow 1st qtr, with Ameretto moving up three wide to take over the breeze position. In the back straight the last time the 3 leading mares broke away from the field in a 28.4 third qtr, and they rounded the final turn three across the track. In a hard fought finish A Picadilly Princess finished the better to win by 3.7m from Ideal Alice and 1.8m to Ameretto. Sheer Rocknroll ran a good race to finish 4th after being held up. This was a reversal but similar result to the previous year, when Ideal Alice beat A Picadilly Princess and Sheer Rocknroll was third. It also meant that Ideal Alice had finished second in both feature mares races run to date.

Heat 8 of the Inters saw the promising 7yo San Carlo (Mach Three out of Bridge Player by Classic Garry) up against Devendra as well as Heat winners Soho Tribeca and Lennytheshark. It was a pearler, with San Carlo starting from barrier 1 and refusing to concede the lead to Devendra from 3, who eventually had to restrain and settle for the breeze. Major Crocker came around and gave Devendra cover while Soho Tribeca, who started from barrier 9, was last - 30m off the lead. Lennytheshark, from barrier 7, then went round to take over the breeze position, getting there with two laps to go. Now with 1200 to go it was Soho Tribeca's turn to head for the breeze, and Lenny took the sit. With a 3rd quarter of 28.4 it was a tough finish but San Carlo held out well and finished strongly to win by 1.2m from a fighting Soho Tribeca, with Lenny finishing very well to be 2.2m away in third in a 27 final quarter. It was a top effort from the inexperienced San Carlo who only started racing at 5 after gaiting and injury issues (Everyone should keep that in mind before they give up on their prospective champ!). Devendra finished last which ultimately cost him the final place in the Inters Final.

Now it was down to the final Heat, with Lazarus (Bettors Delight out of Bethany by Christian Cullen), with two seconds so far, shaping up against the slightly disappointing Have Faith In Me, Heat winner Galactic Star and our own Vultan Tin. It was a case of saving the best 'til last. It was a low flying start with Yayas Hot Spot flying out from 8 but unable to cross Egodan from 1.Galactic Star was also fast out and with so much speed on was able to take the sit behind race leader Egodan.Vultan Tin, Lazarus and Have Faith In Me took no part in the early speed battle and were the last 3 in running, a long way off the front. The lead time was a phenomenal 65.6. Wth 2000m to go, the running line was moving forward and Have Faith In Me sped forward 3 wide with Lazarus right on his tail. No sooner had Have Faith In Me got the breeze when Lazarus went past to take that position, with another two laps to go. Going into the back Lazarus stormed to the front, leaving Have Faith In Me in the breeze again. Now Vultan Tin took off, but Chris Lewis on Have Faith In Me did not concede the breeze and Vultan Tin was now three wide, with 1000 to go. Thats where they stayed until the 450 when Vultan Tin started to tire. Have Faith In Me was running a terrific race and serving it up to Lazarus, but Lazarus, with Mark Purdon sitting quietly in the cart, was supreme and simply too strong and too fast. The last quarter was27.9, the mile rate a track record 1:54.5 and the winning margin was 1.7m to Have Faith In Me with 9m to Ohoka Punter in third. Vultan Tin ran a mighty race to finish 6th in such a standout race to qualify for the Inters Final.

So in the wash up, the 2017 Inter Dominion Final will comprise (in point score order):

On 39 points Soho Tribeca (American Ideal)

On 37 points Chicago Bull (Bettors Delight)

On 36 points Lazarus (Bettors Delight), Tiger Tara (Bettors Delight)

On 32 points Lennytheshark (Four Starzzz Shark)

On 29 points San Carlo (Mach Three), Galactic Star (Bettors Delight)

On 22 points Shandale (Art Major)

On 21 points Vultan Tin (Dawn Ofa New Day).

Four horses finished on 19 points, with Have Faith In Me (Bettors Delight) to take the 10th and final place in the field.

TOP RACING AT BUNBURY FOR INTERS HEATS ROUND 2

(28 Nov 2017) Off to Bunbury for another exciting night of Inters Heats and support races, with the Bunbury Sprint Lane not in operation for the race meeting, and 7 across the front line. It turned out to be an excellent night for WA bred horses as well!

In Heat 4, the first Inters Heat for the night, Galactic Star (Bettors Delight out of Petra Star by Christian Cullen) at 15/1 caused an upset in beating Yayas Hot Spot and Lennytheshark. Fourth was Shandale and 5th Have Faith In Me. Starting from the inside of the back line Galactic Star had enough speed to be sitting behind Yahas Hot Spot early, with Shandale in the one out one back. Shandale was the first to move with just under two laps to go and he pressed forward to the breeze. Lennytheshark in the one out two back position followed him, but went straight to the lead rather than settle in the breeze, leaving Shandale in the breeze and Galactic Star now 3rd horse on the rails. Lead time of 36 flat and first quarter 28.1 there was a slight breather in the second quarter before a 28.5 third quarter and Shandale was on level terms with Lenny at the 400. Coming off the back Galactic Star moved off the rails, Lenny was holding Shandale but Yayas Hot Spot was getting up along the rails to feature in the finish. Galactic Star was now four wide and flashed home to beat them all, in a mile rate of 1:54.9 and last quarter 26.8. The win was impressive and follows on from last season when he won over $108,000 in WA before heading to Victoria and NSW in September this year.

Heat 5 was another good race. Soho Tribeca (American Ideal out of Pixel Perfect by Art Major), an effortless winner by almost four lengths over New Zealand's superstar Lazarus on the opening night of the Inter Dominion Heats 4 days earlier, maintained his super form when he stepped away well from barrier six and raced to the lead after 350m before going on to win his Heat by 2.5m from Devendra, with Chicago Bull in third.

WA's Vultan Tin was in 4th. Devendra, who started from 1, was the initial race leader with Soho Tribeca racing three wide around the first turn and racing to the front, and Chicago Bull sitting behind Devendra. The lead time was 35.6 and Vultan Tin, who was one out and two back but effectively last, made a three wide move during the slow 31.3 first quarter to settle in the breeze. Soho Tribeca ran solid 2nd and 3rd qts of 28.8 and 28.4 with Chicago Bull, who started from the same barrier as Galactic Star in Heat 4, held in a pocket. Getting off the rails at the 250m he still had no place to go before managing to extricate himself and sizzle home 4 wide to finish 3rd, with Devendra sneaking up on the inside of Soho Tribeca for 2nd. The last qtr was a doozy at 26.2. The two best runs of the race were Vultan Tin in the breeze and Chicago Bull, although in Soho Tribeca's case, you cant do more than win!

The run of the night was, without doubt in Heat 6, where 7 yo entire Tiger Tara (Bettors Delight out of Tara Gold by Dream Away). Tiger Tara went straight to the lead from barrier 1, with San Carlo on his outside and Lazarus second last. The lead time was sizzling at 33.7 before a slower 30.4 1st quarter. Lazarus made a 3 wide move at the 1200 with San Carlo nipping out in front of him to get the sit. The 2nd quarter was run in 27.7 and Lazarus made it to the breeze with 800 to go. Lazarus kept coming right to the line but with a 28.2 3rd quarter and a 26.5 last quarter it was impossible to haul in Tiger Tara who set a track record of 1:52.3 over the 2100m journey. San Carlo finished in 3rd, 14.6m behind Lazarus.

It was going to be hard to follow such terrific racing but 5yo mare Mary Catherine (Art Major out of Easy Riter by Getting It Right) didnt let the side down with an excellent win in Heat 2 of the Binshaw for M1 class. Mary Catherine started from barrier 9, one off the fence in the back row, in a race thought to be a formality for the short priced favourite. After the favourite got to the front in a fast lead time of 34.7, Mary Catherine had settled one out and one back. The first quarter was fast at 28.8 with the pace slightly easier in the 29.7 second quarter. As the moves started to come from the back Mary Catherine moved out 3 wide and by the 400m she had the favourite's measure. She went on to win by 13.1m in a mile rate of 1:55.1. Bred and part owned by Robert Sheehy, she is just starting to deliver on the promise of her early career. Her stakes are now just over $137,000 from 12 wins and 17 places. Mary Catherine has always shown talent so it was a good result for owner Robert Sheehy who bred her with M Pumfrey.

Mary Catherine is the only winner from her dam Easy Riter 1:57.8 5 wins $39,252, but her unraced half sister Stella Pearl (Live Or Die) is the dam of Michael Joseph (Bettors Delight) 1:56.2 7 wins $52,859. Easy Riter is one of two winners from her dam Easy Girl (Romeo Hanover) who is a granddaughter of one of Dr Tom Early's broodmare gems in Star Song (Grattan Loyal). Among the progeny of Star Song was Papagena (King Oro), the dam of 10 winners from 16 foals and one of WAs best maternal families from the 60s and 70s. Members of this family include Centrefold Angel (Legacy Of Power) 1:55.2 14 wins $237,348, Formyeyesonly (Pacific Fella) 1:54.3 12 wins $91,774, Bettor Twisted (Bettors Delight) 1:56.9 $80,548 and multiple other winners.

Starting at 5 on the front with the race favourite in 1, it was no surprise that 6yo gelding Argyle Red (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Dekker Diamond by Iraklis) was 20/1 in the betting. The favourite Bettor Reward was beaten for speed out of the barrier and the horse in 2, 2014 WA Derby winner Three Blind Mice raced to the front with Johnny Disco in the breeze on his outside. Argyle Red settled 3rd last in the moving line with a lead time of 35.7. With just over a lap to go Argyle Red followed the 3 wide move of Dredlock Rocstar in a fairly compact field. Coming out of the back straight Three Blind Mice, still travelling 3 wide, got to the lead with Argyle Red peeling off his back and swinging 4 wide. The 3rd quarter was 27.7 and with no sprint lane the balance of the field was bottled up. It was left to Argyle Red to thunder down the centre to grab the lead on the line and win the $22,000 Yes Loans Pace for M2-M4 by 1.4m from Three Blind Mice, with Bettor Reward managing to squeeze up on the rails into 3rd. The mile rate was 1:56.5 with the last half in 56 flat. Owned and bred by Rob and Ann MacDonald, Argyle Red has won $116,723 from 13 wins and 21 places.

Another favourite went down in the last with 5yo mare Bettor Bling (Bettors Delight out of Whitbys Solitaire by Booth Hanover) putting in a top effort to win the $18,000 Perth Plasterboard Pace for M0-M1. Bettor Bling started at a whopping 53/1 from barrier 5 and with early race speed and lead time 34.4 as the favourite Vampiro scooted around to the lead leaving her 3 wide, Bettor Bling idled to the breeze position. Shortly after,she got cover from Springsteen who took advantage of the slow first qtr in 32.7 to go forward to the breeze. Coming off the back, Vampiro was clear but Bettor Bling was making a run. Down the straight Bettor Bling was finishing the better despite a hard run and went on to win by 1.3m in 1:58.4, last qtrs 28.1 and 28.8. The win was her 9th including the 2015 $100,000 WA Sales Classic, and along with 13 places her total stakes are just under $129,000.

(24 Nov 2017) A fantastic night of racing, with all the Inters visitors in play. If you couldnt enjoy the racing you are hard to please.

It was a boilover in the first Heat of the Binshaw Classic. A sizzling lead time in 35.5 with Aussie Delight in 1 initially holding out the challenger, aptly named Challenging, before Challenging got the lead after a 100m. The pace was still on and favourite Livura, who was three wide, continued a forward move with Thereugo on his tail. At the winning post the first time the sparks were flying with Livura, now 2 wide, and Therugo forging forward to the one-two position in the lead. Livura now had the race lead with Thereugo in the breeze, with the first quarter covered in 27.9. With a lap and a half to go the field was spread out with eventual winner Auctioneers Elsu (who started from 5 at 30/1) 3 back the fence while all this was happening. The third quarter was 28.8 and in the back straight the last time, Thereugo was struggling. A break in the field coming off the back allowed Auctioneers Elsu, with young Jocelyn Young in the cart, to move off the rails into the moving line. Rounding the turn 4 wide, Auctioneers Elsu was streaming down the outside with Aussie Delight on her inside. Finishing the better, Auctioneers Elsu grabbed the win on the line and won Heat 1 of the Binshaw for M1 class in 1:54.3, with the last quarter the slowest of the race. Bred by Dawn Howson but raced by trainer Sarah Suvaljko under lease from owner Ross Waddell, the win was her 18th and along with 39 places she has won $170,173. The mile rate was her lifetime best.

The 8yo mare Auctioneers Elsu is by 2005 Inter Dominion winner Elsu (who went through the series unbeaten) out of Maybe Matilda by Hey Maybe. Auctioneers Elsu is the 5th winner and last foal from Maybe Matilda, with her other winners including Croucho Marx (Crouch) 2:01.4 $91,311 and Columbus Cullen (Christian Cullen) 1:56.5 13 wins $97,089. Maybe Matilda won the 1993 WA Oaks, and another Oaks winner in the family is 2014 NSW Oaks winner Shes A Runa (Jeremes Jet) 1:55.5 18 wins $291,126. Highlighting another Inter Dominion link, Maybe Matilda is out of Matilda Trunkey, a mare born in 1979 who was the last foal of Mary Mavis. Mary Mavis was a very good race mare, coming 3rd in the 1959 New Zealand Oaks, and was good enough to compete in the 1963 Inter Dominion at Wayville against Cardigan Bay.

The first of the Inters heats and it was Lazarus versus Soho Tribeca.

It was a big win to 5yo entire Soho Tribeca (American Ideal out of Pixel Perfect by Art Major) from 2 with Kim Prentice on board. Going straight to the front with Devendra taking the trail. With a lap and a half to go, Lazarus made a forward move to sit in the breeze outside Soho Tribeca. However Soho Tribeca always had the favourite stretching his neck and never looked like losing, going on the win the opening heat by a dominant 11m. Lazarus ran on gamely to be second, with Shandale finished brilliantly to run 3rd.

The mile rate was 1:54.2 with the final quarters 28.8 and a blistering last half in 54.5 (27.3 and 27.2). After such a stunning all the way victory, the win lifted Soho Tribeca to equal favourite for the Inter Dominion final.

The $50,000 Norms Daughter Classic was a brilliant run by the Kerryn Manning trained and driven 6yo mare Ameretto, (Million Dollar Cam out of Eyes Of Courage by Courage Under Fire) who started from 7, waited briefly for the field to settle before circling to take the lead from Ideal Alice going into the back straight the first time. Running to the line it was a good win by 1.4m from Ideal Alice with a good finish by WA bred mare Sheer Rocknroll to finish 3rd a further 8.6m away. The final quarters were 28.5 and 27.6 with the mile rate 1:55.2. It was a good drive by Gary Hall Jnr to allow Ameretto to go to the lead and guarantee that Ideal Alice had a chance to win or at least run second.

There were several impressive performers in the Second Heat and the WA bred Vultan Tin was with them all the way.!

Starting from 3, 2015 Inter Dominion winner and superstar 8yo entire Lennytheshark (Four Starzzz Shark out of Botswana by Albert Albert) proved too good for his rivals in the second heat of the Inter Dominion, going straight to the front in a lead time a second faster than Heat 1 won by Soho Tribeca. After finding the front comfortably "Lenny" dictated the terms. It was left to Tiger Tara to run in the breeze, with Lenny a clear leader until the back straight the last time. At the 400m Tiger and Lenny were head to head, with WA's Vultan Tin a clear third. Running to the line Lennytheshark was doing too well and won by 3.2m in 1:54.1 - fractionally faster than the first Heat.Tiger Tara held on for second and WA's Vultan Tin was a very good third, with the last half in 54.1 (27.3 and 26.8) - even faster than the first Heat.

The damsire of Lennytheshark, Albert Albert, died after only 4 full stud seasons in Australia and never had the opportunity to fulfill his promise as a sire. As a damsire he has produced the likes of Lenny and super mare Frith.

It was the ultimate performance by the ultimate 4yo, with another entire Ultimate Machete (Bettors Delight out of Reality Check by Armbro Operative) starting from 1 but unable to muster speed to hold out the super fast Wardan Express. No sooner had that happened then Rock Diamonds (very generous odds of 75/1) from 5 flew past to take the race lead and trigger the move from Ultimate Machete to swing out and follow Rock Diamonds, then continue forward to take the race lead with two laps to go. The lead time was a low flying 34.6, followed by modest first and second quarters of around 30 before a 28.2 third quarter with Ultimate Machete well in control. WA's Handsandwheels was 3 back the fence and bolting. Ultimate Machete skipped away on the bend, while Handsandwhells got off the fence to race home into second place. The final quarters were 28.2 and 28.

It was a classy run by the WA Derby winner Handsandwheels, but nothing was better than the winner. Ultimate Machete has won over $650,000 from 10 wins and 10 places from 22 starts, and looks like Australasia's heir apparent. Armbro Operative, the damsire of Ultimate Machete, was based in Australia for most of his stud career but did also stand in New Zealand and has a number of top quality for broodmares to his name.

Raging favourite 5yo gelding Chicago Bull (Bettors Delight out of Chicago Blues by Christian Cullen) was never in doubt when winning the third Inter Dominion Heat on night one. Starting from 2, Chicago Bull went straight to the front with Egodan tucked in behind and Galactic Star in the breeze. From there Chicago Bull controlled all stages of the race and was never threatened, going on to win by 4.8m from Egodan who easily held second, and a brave Galactic Star 6.1m away in third. San Carlo finished 5th, 14m from the winner, with Have Faith In Me 20m off the leader in 9th.

It was the slowest heat of the night in 1:55.6, but it was just as impressive as the others and the final quarters were run in 27.7 and 27 for a last half of 54.7.

Although he is only a small horse, with the WA Pacing Cup and Fremantle Cup in his kitty Chicago Bull is already a millionaire. Interestingly, the grandam of Chicago Bull is the American born mare Bluejeanbabyqueen, who is a daughter of top New Zealand race mare Pacific Flight 1:51.2 who was exported to the US and won a total of $562,345. Pacific Flight and Bluejeanbabyqueen were both brought back to New Zealand. Wasnt that lucky for us!

2017 WASBA BOB HUMPHRIES MEMORIAL WESTBRED MARES PACE

(18 Nov 2017) An exciting night of racing at the Bunbury track with the good crowd on course enjoying the feature $50,000 Bunbury Cup supported by the $14,000 WASBA Bob Humphries Memorial Westbred Mares Pace for the C2+ M0 Mares. 2016 $100,000 WA Sales Classic winner Red Hot Roxy (Somebeachsomewhere) also returned to racing with a good win in one of the supporting races, very apt with another of the supporting races named after our sponsor APG.

The $14,000 WASBA Bob Humphries Memorial started at breakneck speed with Kyle Harper on 4yo mare Ayana (Bettors Delight out of Global Image by Armbro Operative) driving forward hard out of barrier 1 in a 34.9 lead timeto hold up in front. The next quarter was steady as they took a breath, with Ayana setting a solid pace over the final 3 quarters to hold out sprint lane runner Parisian Partygirl and Dior Mia More who flashed down the outside. The mile rate was 1:58.3 and last half 57.5.

Ayana is a half sister to 3 other winners including Lamplight Lili (Totally Western) 1:58.2 6 wins $50,345. Her dam Global Image started only twice but is a half sister to 5 winners including Global Force (Walton Hanover) 1:57.4 18 wins $302,685, winner of the 2004 WA Sales Classic for 3yos and the 2004 WA Derby. Their dam was the Noodlum mare Schehallion and through her granddam Heatherloch (Lumber Dream) the family has produced Alberta Retreat (Village Jasper) 1:57.3 8 wins $82,601, Annika Magic (Grinfromeartoear) 1:53.8 18 wins $114,849 and current classy 3yo filly Shez All Rock (Rock N Roll Heaven) 1:53.7, winner of 2 from 2 including the Group 2 $50,000 Empire Vicbred Platinum.

Ayana, who is trained by Trevor Wright for owner breeder Bryan Cousins, has shown a lot of improvement this season, with 4 wins and 6 places from 11 starts following her previous 9 starts producing only 2 places. Trevor’s brother in law John Lowrie, who was formerly the studmaster at Bob Humphries' Trunkey Standardbreds, accepted the trophy on behalf of the connections. A fantastic result with so many "family" connections associated with the race and congratulations to Kyle Harper for a top drive and a great approach to assisting sponsors with the after race activities.

VERY VERY GOOD

(17 Nov 2017) Just one Westbred winner on the night but what a beauty. Now 3yo filly Cott Beach (Advance Attack out of Back In The Black by Armbro Operative) stepped out in her second start since running second in the Golden Slipper in July and made it two wins from 2 starts. Bred by Mal and Tanya Hancock and Tracey Massimini but purchased by Peter King and Barbara Pellick as an unborn foal with her mother, Cott Beach started from 6 and charged forward to lead by the turn into the home straight the first time, in a lead time of 36.8. With 3rd qtr of 28.8 and last qtr 28.1, Cott Beach was with the field with a lap to go but sprinted away from the field at the 400 and in the blink of an eye had a huge lead. With stakes now $160,385 from 8 wins and 3 places from 12 starts, she is well and truly a potential champion mare.

(10 Nov 2017) Only a week to the Inters carnival of and the girls are doing nicely, with Donegal Rundlescreek winning her third in a row and no doubt heading towards the $125,000 Mares Classic on Inters Final night. And ther were others who did very well.

Another great effort from 4yo mare Sarah Goody (Rich And Spoilt out of Forrest Interlude by Armbro Operative). Starting in 4 and going out with clear intention from the barrier, Sarah Goody had the race lead on the turn into the home straight the first time. With her pink noseband and pink colours, she looked impressive in front and had a clear length lead with 600 to go. The favourite Bettor Reward, who was racing one out and three back, moved out three wide with just over a lap to go but Sarah was a clear length in front in the back straight. Coming off the back Sarah Goody was still holding Bettor Reward and in the run to the line she was untroubled to win the Life Members of York Westbred Pace for C5 to C9 by 6.8m with Tajies Girl just pipping Bettor Reward for second. The mile rate was a good 1:56.6 with last quarters in 28.3 and 28.2. This was her second win in a fortnight and took her win tally to 11. Including 7 places her lifetime stakes are now $141,456 from only 27 starts.

Sarah Goody is bred and owned by Rob Hall, Ross Waddell and Kevin Keys and is trained by Kevin. She is a half sister to Secret Interlude (Panorama) 1:56.6 19 wins $230,348 in stakes and Nothingbutadream (Modern Art) 1:55.1 $63,252. Her dam Forrest Interlude (Armbro Operative) won 6 races in her career and is a half sister to 8 other winners. The granddam of Forrest Interlude was the 1982 NZ 4yo Pacing Mare of the Year Take Care (El Patron), who won over $300,000 in her career and was one of New Zealands best pacing mares in the early 80s.

Adding to the girls night out flavour, and another owner breeder combination, 5yo mare Bettor Boa (Bettors Delightout of Miss Anaconda by Falcon Seelster) was the short priced favourite and duly bounced to the front from barrier 2. A slow and steady lead time of 38.0 set the scene for a sprint home. Sprinting hard for a 27.8 third quarter, Bettor Boa came into the home straight looking the winner. Althought the fast finishing Parisian Partygirlcut the margin to 1.3m, Bettor Boa was always going to win the $18,000 M0 to M1 Life Members of York Mares Pace. The mile rate was 1:57.1 and last quarter 28.1. This was the 10th win for Bettor Boa for owner breeders Karnup Racing Pty Ltd and her second win in 3 weeks. Including 10 places her lifetime stakes are now $105,177.

Another short priced favourite, again from barrier 2 and again going to the front, it was a good night for supporters of 5yo gelding Johnny Disco (Jeremes Jet out of Dalmore Disco by Presidential Ball) who lined up for the second successive week and scored his second win on the trot. Going straight to the front, Johnny Disco was race leader but with El Hombre moving around to race at his neck. With the 3rd qtr in 28.0, the breeze horse struggling and the rails horse not keeping up, Johnny Disco raced away on the home turn and went on to win by 8.4m in 1:56, last qtr 27.8. Bred and owned by John and Sue Awcock and also part owned by J Lawrence, the win took Johnny Disco to $256,364 in stakes from 16 career wins and 13 places.

Dalmore Disco 1:56.7 $101,782, the dam of Johnny Disco, won several metropolitan races amongst her 12 wins and 19 places. She is the dam of 1 other winner from only 2 foals of racing age. Disco Lights (Northern Lights) 1:57.5, 12 wins $75,681 the dam of Dalmore Disco was also a good metropolitan winner and is a full sister to Live In Hope 1:56.4 23 wins $114,596 and a half sister to 6 winners including Disco Force (Resonator) 1:53.8 27 wins $268,416 including the 2000 Golden Slipper, and Disco Flyer (In The Pocket) $186,313. This is another excellent female line with the dam of Disco Lights being the unraced Madam Butterfly (Windshield Wiper out of Butterfly Trunkey by Batman) who is a half sister to Tailamade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:55.3 49 wins $1,354,978 and Espeshlimade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:58.6 $299,199.

GOING FOR BROKE

(3 Nov 2017) Getting closer to the Inters, it was a good chance for some of the hopefuls to gain some credibility points and perform well. The racing was also highlighted by the James Brennan Memorial (won by Chicago Bull in a tight finish from the impressive Soho Tribeca). Three of the WA bred Inters nominees performed extremely well.

First up, starting odds on favourite and from barrier 1, 5yo gelding and 36th in Inters rankings Johnny Disco (Jeremes Jet out of Dalmore Disco by Presidential Ball) got away fast and managed to hold out first Our Zak Whitby and then El Hombre. The lead time was fairly fast at 37.2 and it was going to be a good contest between fairly evenly matched horses. With 650 to go Johnny Disco looked comfortable and was lengthening stride and at the 400m he had stretched his lead to a handy 7m. He was full of running coming off the back and the 3rd quarter was just amazing at 26.8, giving the field no chance. He went on to win the $22,000 Direct Trades Supply Pace for M1 to M3 by 4m from the valiant Our Zak Whitby in a mile rate of 1:55.7. The win took him to $242,345 from 15 wins and 13 places. Bred and part owned by John and Sue Awcock, Johnny Disco has some classy wins including the $100,000 2yo Westbred Classic, the $50,000 Caduceus Club Classic and the $30,000 Country Derby.

Dalmore Disco 1:56.7, the dam of Johnny Disco, was a classy race mare winning $101,681 from 12 wins and 19 places. She has produced two foals for two winners. Her dam Disco Lights (Northern Lights) 1:57.5, 12 wins $75,681 was also a good race mare and is a half sister to 7 winners including Disco Force (Resonator) 1:53.8 27 wins $268,416 including the 2000 Golden Slipper, and Disco Flyer (In The Pocket) $186,313. The dam of Disco Lights is the unraced Madam Butterfly (Windshield Wiper out of Butterfly Trunkey by Batman) who is a half sister to Tailamade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:55.3 49 wins $1,354,978 and Espeshlimade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:58.6 $299,199. Other members of the Butterfly Trunkey family include Fast Play (Aces N Sevens) 1:56.4 20 wins $192,401 and Imposter (Fake Left) 1:53.2 38 wins $167,450.

In hot form and with Junior driver Mitch Miller choosing him over two other drives, 7yo gelding and 34th in Inters rankings Tanaka Eagle (Elsu out of Miss Tanaka by Badlands Hanover) was at surprisingly good odds of 9/1 for his event. Starting from barrier 3, Tanaka Eagle went out hard and after a short tussle had the leaders role. Able to steady and run a slower first quarter, the pace was even in the second quarter before the challenges started to come in the 3rd quarter. Still holding the lead coming into the home straight for the run to the finish and with the favourite Abraxas Blues tucked in behind him, he was under attack but managed to cross the line first and withstand a protest from the driver of Abraxas Blues, with the very nicely named breeze horse Costa Del Magnifico running a great race to hold up for second. The win was the second in a fortnight for Tanaka Eagle, and took his win tally to 18 with 37 places for stakes of $175,023.

Bred and owned by Reg and Grace Phillips and trained by Reg, Tanaka Eagle is the first foal from his unraced dam Miss Tanaka. With most of her family NZ based there are still a few members of the family that have raced in WA including WA Derby winner Western Cullen (Christian Cullen) 1:55.6 19 wins $447,536, Soho Lennon (Mach Three) 1:51.0 25 wins and $337,627 and Lets Chase The Dream (Bettors Delight) 1:49.9 14 wins $478,037, who all have Dreamy Atom (Sokys Atom) as their granddam. Dreamy Atom is a half sister to Electrify (Holmes Hanover), the dam of Miss Tanaka.

Also staking his claim for an Inters start and ranked in the top 30 was 6yo gelding Vultan Tin (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Ellevarrac by Pacific Fella). Starting favourite from the wide 7 barrier, Vultan Tin started well and after the early sorting out of positions left him in the breeze, driver Chris Voak took him forward to be race leader with two and a half laps to go. Vultan Tin went throught the first qtr in a tick over 30 and the second quarter was 29.9, keeping the field honest. Picking up more pace in a 28.4 3rd quarter, Vultan Tin ran the last quarter in 27.8 to set an excellent mile rate of 1:56.4 over the 2536m journey to win the $22,000 Perth Plasterboard Centre Pace for M1 to M3 by a dominant 13m. The win was the 13th and with 26 places his stakes are now $184,796. Vultan Tin had a super 2016/17 season winning $110,039 including the $20,000 Italian Cup and $30,000 Narrogin Cup, both over the longer journey. He should have no problem with the Inters 3 race format and race distances.

Vultan Tin was bred and owned by Phil and D Costello and also trained by Phil, who also bred his dam Ellevarrac (Pacific Fella) 1:59.3 and $12,896. This is a very old female line and members of one of the other arms of the family include Indomitable (Saab) 1:53.8 $133,759.

JUST TOO GOOD

(27 October 17) Another good night of racing and some more good performances. Local mare Sarah Goody was on top of her game tonight, and 5yo mare Donegal Rundlescreek won her second metropolitan race in a row, demonstrating that the mares races coming up will be quality affairs.

The very short priced favourite Our Zak Whitby (Mach Three out of Zerina Whitby by Kinney Hanover) powered to the front from 2 and then slowed the field down for a leisurely lead time and first quarter. Our Zak Whitby was able to dictate the pace until the third quarter when some moves from the rear of the field resulted in a 28.7 qtr. However, he was still well in control and a 27.1 final qtr resulted in an all the way win by 5.1m in the $20,000 Tabtouch Pace for M0-M2. The win was the 12th for the lightly raced 4yo who is no doubt aiming for the big 4yo features. Bred, part owned and trained by Ed Dewar Our Zak Whitby's total stakes are now $102,594 which includes 16 places. This is also his 3rd win in 4 starts including a headquarters win 5 weeks earlier. His last 7 starts have resulted in 4 wins, 2 seconds and a third.

Next of our winners, and coming out from 5 on the front, favourite Thereugo (McArdle out of Janice Franco by Live Or Die) darted straight to the front and then put the breaks on to run a very moderate lead time in a now common pattern for racing at GP. With no changes in the race, Thereugo was in charge and full of running. The pace increased substantially in the third qtr when Inter Dominion contender Bettor Reward took off from the rear and a 27.9 3rd qtr resulted. Thereugo was still travelling very well and although a great finishing run by Bettor Reward took him within 1.1m of Thereugo, it was really never in doubt from barrier rise and Thereugo won the very reduced prizemoney $8500 Westbred Final in 1:57.2, last qtr 28.7. Bred by Donald Harper and now owned by Christine Nash, the win took Thereugo to $77,875 in stakes from 14 wins and 3 places. This was the 4th successive win for Thereugo, and his last 11 starts since resuming in June have resulted in 9 wins and 1 second.

Thereugo is the first foal from well performed mare Janice Franco (Live Or Die) 1:58 $76,782, who was owned, trained and driven by Donald Harper for many of her races in her last year of racing. Janice Franco is a half sister to Franco Jonquill (Falcon Seelster) 1:52.6 11 wins and $107,601 and a full sister to the unraced dam of Franco Jazzman (McArdle) 1:54.7 $101,840. She belongs to the same family as 2016 Inter Dominion performer Franco Nelson (Christian Cullen) 1:53.1 $743,093.

Starting from the ideal barrier 10 position and with an unexpected loss the previous week, 4yo Westsired mare Sarah Goody (Rich And Spoilt out of Forrest Interlude by Armbro Operative) started at the nice odds of 6/1. From barrier rise and the lone runner on the back line, driver Chris Lewis headed straight for the one out line and Sarah Goody settled one out and two back under a hard hold. With a lap to go Gary Hall Jnr on Bettor Boa took off from last position and made up good ground three wide, with Sarah Goody on her trail with 500 to go. Bettor Boa shot to the front at the 400, with Sarah Goody on the chase. Bettor Boa and Sarah Goody were well clear coming into the home straight and Sarah Goody proved to be too strong over the finishing stages to win the $25,000 Preux Chevalier Mares Final by 9.9m from the hard working Bettor Boa. The mile rate was 1:56.4 with the final quarters in 28.6 and 28.9. This was her second race start for the season after a 3 month break from racing. The win was her 10th and along with 7 places her stakes are $136,332. Along the way she has collected a second in the WA Oaks and a win in the 2yo Fillies Westsired Classic and the open $30,000 3yo Westsired Classic. Sarah Goody won nearly $95,000 last season and is again stepping up in races when it counts.

Bred by Rob Hall, Ross Waddell and Kevin Keys, Sarah Goody is the 4th winner and last foal from Forrest Interlude, the winner of 6 races and $22,026. Forrest Interlude is also the dam of Secret Interlude (Panorama) 1:56.6 19 wins $230,348 in stakes and Nothingbutadream (Modern Art) 1:55.1 $63,252. Forrest Interlude is a half sister to 8 other winners including Co Co San (Crouch) 1:58.6 14 wins $90,991. Take Care (El Patron), the granddam of Forrest Interlude, won over $300,000 in her career and was one of New Zealands best pacing mares in the early 80s, winning NZ 4yo Pacing Mare of the Year in 1982.

WARMING UP

(13 and 20 October 17) Some of the Inter Dominion hopefulls on show with the Fred Doy Memorial and the $50,000 Mount Eden Sprint (won by Chicago Bull in a phenomenal 1:51.6) returning to its rightful distance. Good results too for some of the girls heading for the mare's feature races during Inters time. Our WA bred horses also performed well against quality opposition.

Starting at reasonably generous odds 7yo gelding Addfueltofire (Artistic Fella out of Darkest Hour by Exotic Earl) got away nicely from 1 to be race leader, with the favourite settling near last. A leisurely lead time and first quarter followed, and with a likely fast last half, the favourite Touch of Success started his 3 wide run at the 1000m. The race hotted up in a 28.3 third quarter, putting pressure on the 3 wide favourite to maintain his run. Still in front coming out of the back straight, Addfueltofire was able to hold out the sit horse and the tiring Touch Of Success and win the $18,000 Perth Plasterboard Centre M0 by 2m in 1:58.4, last qtr 28.2. It was his first start for 10 months and took his win tally to 12 along with 12 places and stakes of $74,360.

Bred by the late Laurie Kennedy, Addfueltofire is one of two winners from the speedy mare Darkest Hour 1:57.8 who won 6 races. Her unraced dam Circle Of Friends (Golden Greek) is a half sister to 7 winners and is a granddaughter of Kerry Tales (Field Battery). Other arms of the family have produced Albert Terrill (Albert Albert) 1:58.4 $313,725, Baylistic Boy (Badlands Hanover) 1:58.5 $167,371, likely Inter Dominion starter Jilliby Jagger (Grinfromeartoear) 1:51.9 $138,694 and one of the most popular pacers in Australia in recent times in Come On Frank (Blissfull Hall) 1:52 61 wins $404,650.

Not favoured in the betting from her 7 barrier, 5yo mare Bettor Boa (Bettors Delight out of Miss Anaconda by Falcon Seelster) restrained out of the barrier and with luck on her side, managed to miss the early scrimmage shortly after the start but still settled 3rd last. With the short priced favourite Sarah Goody leading, it looked to be a tricky situation. With a very slow lead time and first quarter, Gary Hall Jnr on Bettor Boa took off at the 700 and with a burst of speed zipped straight to the front before the race favourite could respond. Bettor Boa was well clear coming round the home turn and travelling strongly to the line, she went on to win Heat 1 of the Preux Chevalier for M0 Mares by 4.1m in 1:59.1, last qtr 27.1.

Bred and owned by Trevor and Colleen Lindsay's Karnup Racing, the win was the 9th for Bettor Boa and her stakes are just over $90,000 from her 9 wins and 9 places, including a second in the WA Oaks to Dodolicious. Her NZ dam Miss Anaconda had one start in WA as a 3yo before being retired from racing, and Bettor Boa is her first foal. The dam of Miss Anaconda is Anna Matao (Holmes Hanover) who is a half sister to Clint Westwood (Western Hanover) 1:56.2 16 wins $114,982 and a full sister to My Belle Matao the granddam of Rycroft (Elsu) 1:54.8 16 wins $136,319. Anna Matao is a granddaugther of Black Watch, whose maternal lines are arguaby one of the most sought after in Australasia, with the family including the likes of WA performers Chicago Bull (Bettors Delight) 1:51.6 $997,846 and Alta Christiano (Christian Cullen) 1:54.2 $309,163.

Starting at surprisingly good odds (considering he is an Inter Dominion acceptor) 7yo gelding Tanaka Eagle (Elsu out of Miss Tanaka by Badlands Hanover) relished the sprint journey of 1730m and bolted out of the barrier in a fast lead time of 7.9 and found the front comfortably. Driven by junior Mitch Miller, Tanaka Eagle was 12m in front with a lap to go. Leading clearly coming into the home straight to run to the finish, he was not going to get caught and went on to win the $22,000 PPC Pace for M1 to M3 by 3.2m in a lifetime best of 1:54.7. Just like the previous win over the distance when he ran a 26.9 first qtr, the lead and 28.2 first quarter again set him up for victory. Bred by Total Strategy Pty Ltd his stakes are now just over $160,000 from 17 wins and 35 places.

With his last 5 wins coming in stands, 6yo gelding Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet out of Spicks And Specks by Golden Greek) started from 30m at the amazing odds of 12/1. Stepping off cleanly he was second last, one out and only 3 back after settling. The short priced favourite The Odd Lover left the one out one back position to go to the lead, which meant that "Tommy" was even better placed. The breeze horse was retired from the race and now Tommy Be Good is one out and one back with a lap to go!. Looking to be under a bit of pressure coming into the turn out of the back straight, he started to make up good ground 3 wide. Straigtening up, he raced up to the leaders and drew clear to win the $18,000 Soho Standardbreds Handicap Stand by 2.2m in the good time of 1:58.7, last qtr in 28.3. The win was the 13th for Tommy Be Good and his stakes are now $113,056.

Bred by Patrician Park, Tommy Be Good is the 4th and last foal and third winner from Spicks And Specks (Golden Greek) 2:00.9 5 wins $25,311, who has also produced Liquid Radar (Armbro Operative) 1:57, 13 wins $116,033. Spicks And Specks is also the dam of the unraced Rapunzels Dream (Western Terror), the dam of Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire) 1:56.8 19 wins $91,086. Spicks And Specks is a half sister to Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199 and Turkish (Village Jasper) 1:59 12 wins $131,303. Her dam, the unraced Breathtaking (Classic Garry), is a half sister to WA champion Shattering Class (Golden Greek) 62 wins $810,302. Unfortunately, Spicks And Specks, Breathtaking and her dam Earth Shattering (New York Motoring) only produced one filly each.

New kid on the block the 3yo filly Tiffany Twirl (Bettors Delight out of Tiffany Twisted by Righteous Hanover), with only 2 lifetime race starts before tonight, was another winner on the night with very decent odds. Rated a 14/1 chance after earlier quotes of 40/1, Tiffany Twirl started very fast from 2 and crossed straight to the front. With a solid lead time trainer driver Shane Young dropped the speed a little in the first and second quarters, Tiffany Twirl was still holding up well in the back straight the last time and although challenged by the favourite very late near the finish, she went on to win the $18,000 AMF Ceiling Tiles 3yo Fillies Pace by 1.4m in 1:59.3, last qtr 28.3. This was her first race start this season after a win and a second in trials.

(13 Oct) A good effort from the outside draw and 5yo gelding Im Batman (Yankee Sensation out of Articulation by Albert Albert) broke his maiden metropolitan status in the last race of the night. Settling second last from the wide draw, it was a solid lead time and a very testing first qtr of 27.9 over the 1730m sprint. Taking off to lead the 3 wide line with a lap to go, Im Batman moved up quickly and was a 3 wide third at the 400m. Powering home over the leaders, he raced away to win the $18,000 Kelvinator M0 by 7.8m. The mile rate was 1:56.3 and the win was his 8th. Lifetime stakes are now just over $54,000 and includes 13 places. Bred by D and R Smith and owned and trained by Alby Smith, he is the first winner from the unraced mare Articulation. His granddam Elocution (Adios Vic) is a half sister to good race mare of the 70s in Honest Talk (Honest Master) 2:00.6 $25,176 who is the dam of 9 winners including Zakara (Racy Prince) 1:57 44 wins $477,488. Going back through Elocution's granddam Tacit (U Scott) and her dam Spangled Star (Dillon Hall) there are some champion horses of earlier generations like Gyro, Vanderport and even champion trotter Court Jester, but some more recent local winners include Im A Peregrine (Elsu) 1:56.3 16 wins $153,695, Soho Monza (Pacific Fella) 1:56 $223,520 and Bolshoi Belle (Resurgent Dragon) 2:01.9 10 wins $60,053 the dam of Allmightyjoelouis (Roll With Joe) 1:56.9 $91,230.

DIAMOND WINNER RETURNS

(6 October 17) A great race in the one of our stand out races, the $50,000 J P Stratton, which saw three Inters contenders fight out the finish with relative newcomer Shandale (Art Major) holding out Golden Nugget and multiple Group 1 winner Soho Tribeca and Pacing Cup and Fremantle Cup winner Chicago Bull. Certainly hotting up for the Inters which starts next month. Also good to see one of our Diamond Classic winners return to the winners list with a metro win.

With a good run to finish second a fortnight ago and with a good barrier (2), the 2015 Diamond Classic winner Bethany Aitch (Four Starzzz Shark out of Survivor by Live Or Die) made the most of a break by the mare in 1 to hold out the early challenges and go to the lead. The lead was quick and after a slow first quarter, a mid race challenge from Lipizzaner kept the pace up for the next two quarters. However, with the advantage of the inside running Bethany Aitch was able to steady and with Lipizzaner dropping back through the field at the 400m, Bethany Aitch raced clear around the home turn and went on to win the $18,000 Tabtouch Inter Dominion Heat Night Two M0 Mares Pace by 2.5m, mile rate 1:58.2 and last three quarters all under 29.5. A good run by her, and the win was her 8th. She has a career total of $122,232 including 14 places.

Bred and part owned by David Young and trained by another part owner Nathan Turvey, Bethany Aitch is the second winner from only two foals from her dam Survivor (Live Or Die) 1:59 $40,845, who was a good racemare in Victoria and WA. Her other winner is The Real Nadal (Real Desire) 1:57.3 11 wins $85,472. Survivor was bred in NZ and is one of 4 foals from her dam Koau Jodie (Knowing Bret) that raced in Australia, with 3 winning.

Another winner off a good run at his previous start. In spite of running 2nd the previous week, barrier 9 did not appeal to the punters and 5yo gelding El Hombre (Badlands Hanover out of Appaloosa by OK Bye) started at the good odds of 25/1 in the 2130m Pace for M1 to M3. El Hombre was allowed to drop out early before moving three wide in the home straight the first time and continuing the forward move to the breeze after a lap. The favourite was in front on his inside, and the first qtr was run in a very good 28.7, with the second and third quarter run without change in even time. In the back straight approaching the 400m the favourite looked to be in trouble. Coming off the back El Hombre had raced up and taken the lead and looked the winner. He was the strongest on the line and won the $22,000 Tabtouch Inter Dominion Gala Dinner Pace by 3.8m, last qtr 28.8 and a solid mile rate of 1:56.3 in the breeze. The win took him to a career tally of $138,012 from 12 wins and 16 places.

Bred and owned by one of Australia's top breeders in Bob Fowler, El Hombre's dam Appaloosa produced 5 other winners including Eurodollar (Million To One) 1:56.6 10 win $94,336 and Parsonemby (Parsons Den) 1:56.3 $200,902. The close up family includes Sokys Legend (Sokys Atom), the dam of London Legend (In The Pocket ) 1:57.2 14 wins $290,778 and successful NZ, Australian and US pacer Bit Of A Legend (Bettors Delight) 1:50.6 37 wins $1,803,317.

A nice effort by the Miller boys to take out first and third in the $18,000 PerthInterDominion Pace M0, with Dean Miller training both and Mitch Miller driving the winner, 7yo gelding Western Drover (Northern Luck out of Wichita Gem by Redskin). Western Drover started in 6 and was 3 wide around the bend before getting to the breeze and then getting cover one out one back with stablemate The Thinking Man, driven by Dean, behind him. Waiting until the final turn, Western Drover and The Thinking Man both made their runs with Western Drover grabbing the win on the line by a head, with a head to his stablemate in 3rd.

Bred and owned by R and J Bradley, it was the 11th win for Western Drover with 23 places and $81,933 in stakes. Wichita Gem (Redskin) 1:58.1, the dam of Western Drover was another solid race mare with over $69,000 in stakes and 13 wins. She has produced two other winners including Countess Krista (Northern Luck) 1:59.2 10 wins $64,366. This is one of WAs very old and successful families, which includes Wilver Mint and Raider Adios.

Worth a lot less than it was last season, the $8500 Westbred Final for C1 to C4 was a good race, and a good result for the punters. Another masterly drive from Chris Lewis on the Debra Lewis trained 4yo mare Rockin The Boys (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Boys Lie by Badlands Hanover). Chris, who was tipped out of the cart in an accident in race 3, drove his usual heady race to hold the major challengers where he needed them after going straight to the lead from 1. Controlling the speed and positions in the race he rated Rockin The Boys perfectly and she just held out the late finishing Ruling Gold driven by Shannon Sulvaljko. Bred and owned by Debra Lewis and Julie Champion, it was her 9th win and her 4th win from her last 5 starts. Along with 8 places she has career stakes of $50,834.

Boys Lie 2:01 $6,170, the dam of Rockin The Boys, had a 4 start career for one win. Her dam Hello Boys (Crouch) 1:57.5 12 wins $89,541, was an excellent race mare and the dam of 6 winners from 7 live foals including Kiss Chasey (Yankee Sensation) 1:55.3 16 wins $146,358, and Play The Boys (Shadow Play) 1:56.2 $64,550 including wins in a Heat and Final of the WA Sales Classic at his only 2 starts. Hello Boys is a half sister to 6 other winners including Party Date (Panorama) 1:56 25 wins and $256,003 and Red Hot Date (Village Jasper) 12 wins $99,730. Party Date is the dam of Bettor Party (Bettors Delight) 1:54 29 wins $238,779, Rocknroll Whitby (Rocknroll Hanover) 1:57.2 11 wins $140,020 and 3 other winners. Boom Or Bust (Kawartha Robust) 2:03 8 wins $35,997, the dam of Hello Boys, is a half sister to 6 other winners, and is out of Boom Boom Baby (Pure Steel) who in turn is a half sister to Dripping Diamonds (Maple Lanes Strike) the dam of Golden Goddess (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 29 wins $258,906 and Golden Gears (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 25 wins $336,466.

GOLDEN NUGGET WINNER RETURNS

(29 September 17) Great winning effort in 1:55.3 from 2016 Golden Nugget winner Soho Tribeca, returning to race in WA after 3 consecutive wins at Melton including a win in the Group 1 Vicbred Super Series 4yo Final. It was also nice to see three WA bred winners to add to the extensive list of recent winners at headquarters.

Driven out of the 3 barrier, 8yo gelding and race favourite Mako Shadow (Four Stazzz Shark out of Poppy Jasper by Village Jasper) zipped over to the rails to take the race lead in the 1730m dash. The first quarter was the fastest quarter at 28.4 and Mako Shadow continued to travel strongly in the back straight the last time. Kicking clear coming out of the back straight he had the race in hand and was maintaining his winning margin to the line. He went on to win by 3.8m, bringing up his 13th career win and along with 17 places his earnings are now $97,396.

Bred by M and D Schofield and J Boley, Mako Shadow is the first foal from race winning mare Poppy Jasper, whose dam Provocation (Hilarion) was also a race winner. The maternal family of Mako Shadow is the great broodmare Tactics (Light Brigade). This family has numerous top class winners and is still prominent with the likes of One Dream (Dream Away) 1:56.7 18 wins $846,467, Some Kinda Tactics (Dream Away) 1:53.3 41 wins $273,312 and Tact Hayleys Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:52.2 16 wins $300,7366 stakes. This family is capable of producing top horses.

Starting from the inside of the back line was the perfect barrier position for 5yo gelding Abraxas Blues (Santanna Blue Chip out of Apache Kitten by Badlands Hanover)and he went straight through after barrier rise in the 1730 sprint to be behind the leader in running. Over the sprint journey you need to be near the front and in the back straight the last time he was in third position, still on the rails. Coming out of the back straight driver Chris Voak moved Abraxas Blues off the rails and as they cornered he was three wide and in the clear, but still a length off the leader. Making a fast late move and diving on the line he grabbed the lead and the $20,000 Leading Tipster Stuart Lowe M0 to M2 Pacer win by a head, mile rate 1:55.5 and last qtrs 28.5 and 27.7. This was his 8th win and second successive win in 4 days after winning at Pinjarra earlier in the week. His career tally is now $64,760 and includes 14 places.

Bred by Deb Prentice, Mark Conlan, P Kennedy, G Chappell and C Berryman, the talented Abraxas Blues is the first foal from the now deceased Apache Kitten who had a very short racing career of two starts - 2nd in a heat of the Diamond and 5th in the 2009 final. Her unraced dam Silk Lining (In The Pocket) is a half sister to Badlands Chief (Badlands Hanover) 1:59.6 14 wins $73,310 in stake.

Taking off quickly out of the barrier from 6, 9yo gelding Glow Bright (Artesian out of Bailee Renouf by Mystical Prince) settled quickly in the breeze in the $8,500 M0 to M2 Pace over the sprint journey. With the horse behind the leader breaking into a gallop and disorganising the field, Glow Bright found himself one out one back from the wash-up. Taking off just after the 600m to lead the three wide line, he was second at the 400 and in the lead one off the rails coming to the turn into the home straight. With the inside runner fighting back, Glow Bright raced a metre clear at the 100m and although both horses were tiring Glow Bright went on to win by 2.4m rating 1:56.2, final two quarters 28.6 and 28.8. Glow Bright has done extremely well since being taken over by trainer Debbie Padberg in August last year and won over $31,000 in 2016/17. His lifetime stakes are now $156,906 from 14 wins and 31 places.

(22 September 17) It was another good night of racing with the fields hotting up for the big races ahead. Chicago Bull won the $50,000 Navy Cup in 1:53.5, but it was also a terrific performance by Westsired Allamerican Ingot gelding Americanbootscoota to take second place after setting the pace of the race and being challenged most of the way. There were 5 WA bred winners, another good, Friday night result.

First of our winners was 5yo mare Dodolicious (Bettors Delight out of Slick Chick by Troublemaker)who made it 3 from 3 after returning to racing this month. Starting from 7 and 3rd last early, she settled briefly 3 back in the two wide line before making a 3 wide move. With 1200 to go she was in the front. A mid race scrimmage caused some changes in the field, but Dodolicious was still leading comfortably. Coming out of the back straight the last time she still held the field at bay and running to the line was able to move away and win the $20,000 TABTouch Inter Dominion Mares M0 to M4 by 4.5m in 1:57.6.The win took her to a grand total of $465,960 from her 31 starts which includes 18 wins, 9 places and a lifetime best of 1:55.5.

After qualifying for stands in 2015, and stepping out in his first stand trial in February this year, 8yo gelding Heez On Fire (Courage Under Fire out of Artists Impression by Perfect Art) stepped out in his first ever race start in a stand, from the 30m mark. Starting favourite, Heez On Fire stepped off perfectly and was in touch with the field very quickly, settling last in the moving line. With 1000 to go he followed a 3 wide mover and was within 2 lengths of the leader with a lap to go. At the 400m he moved out 4 wide and started to reel in the leaders. He hit the lead at the 100m and then eased to the line to win the $18,000 Tabtouch Inter Dominion Italian Fireworks Night Stand over 2503m by 1.1m with last quarters 28.4 and 28.5. It was his 20th win and took his stakes to $285,257. Along the way he has won the 2yo Westbred Classic, the 2014 San Simeon and competed in the 2016 Inters.

Bred by Total Strategy Pty LTd, Heez On Fire is the best winner from his dam Artists Impression (Perfect Art), with the next best winner being Remember Me Bel (Village Jasper) 1:56.3, 5 wins and $41,959. Rakamo (Admiral Halsey) 2:01.7 10 wins and $28,484, the dam of Artists Impression, produced 10 winners including high class performer Hy Royale (Lotsa Clout) 1:57 20 wins $263,564. Rakamo is a half sister to to the dam of Rakarebel (Christian Cullen) 1:54.1 25 wins $349,607 and Rakarazor (Rocknroll Hanover) 1:52.2 12 wins $140,685.

Starting second favourite but with the better barrier, 6yo gelding Argyle Red (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Dekker Diamond by Iraklis) wasted no time and charged straight to the front from barrier 3. With the favourite getting to the breeze after a lap it looked like a race in two. In the back straight the last time driver Morgan Woodley was still sitting quietly and at the turn into the front straight he was a length clear. Going to the line he looked to be tiring but was not pushed to win the $22,000 TabTouch Inter Dominion M1 to M3 Pace by 3m, in a mile rate of 1:57.7. The win was his 12th and took him to $99,003.

Starting from 2 and very short in the betting following some very good runs, 4yo entire Our Zak Whitby (Mach Three out of Zerina Whitby by Kinney Hanover) went straight for the lead and after a short burst, had the front. After a slow lead and slow first qtr the pace stepped up in the second and really hotted up in a 27.4 third quarter with the third favourite in the breeze keeping Our Zak Whitby honest and the field now well spread out. Coming into the home straight Our Zak Whitby got away from the field and he was well clear going to the line, winning the $18,000 Perthinterdominion.com.au M0 by 8.8m with mile rate 1:58 and last qtr 28.8. It was his 10th win from only 32 starts and along with 14 places his stakes are just over $83,000.

Starting from the outside of the front line isnt the best start for the favourite, expecially when you are 5 wide into the first turn over 2536m. However, 5yo gelding Bettor Not Bitter (Bettors Delight out of Fina Gemima by Camtastic) continued to go forward three wide until he hit the breeze position with two laps to go. With the 3 wide line forming at the 1000m it looked a very competetive race. Taking the initiative, Bettor Not Bitter moved to the lead on the rails with a lap to go, and was a clear leader at the 400. Bettor Not Bitter came into the home straight well clear, and easing down to the line went on to win the $18,000 Tabtouch M0 by 4.9m in 2:00.4. It was his 10th win and took his stakes to just over $69,000.

Bred by Greg Bond, Rob Gartrell and other stable clients and now owned by Skye Bond and Rob Gartrell and trained by Skye, Bettor Not Bitter is the last foal from Fina Gemima who died the following year whilst foaling. Fina Gemima was raced by the same ownership as Bettor Not Bitter and in a short career won 2 races and a place from only 8 starts.

THEREUGO

(8 and 15 September 17) A double in successive weeks for the lightly raced Thereugo (McArdle by Janice Franco by Live Or Die) who is racing under a new ownership since the start of the season. Thereugo from 7 and the favourite Lets Chase The Dream from 1 poured on the speed out the barrier, with Lets Chase The Dream winning the early battle and Thereugo restraining to sit behind the leader in a lead time of 35.8. An average quarter followed before a fast second and third qtrs - 28.6 and 28.4 - stretched the field but Thereugo was still held in behind the leader coming into the straight for the run home. Looking for a sliver of a gap, Thereugo managed to find just enough room as they straightened and he literally flew home in the last 50m to win the $7 Pints at JPS C5 to C9 by a head from Lets Chase The Dream (a $470,000 earner having his first WA start for Gary Hall Snr) in 1:56 flat. Thereugo followed up this with a win the following Friday (15th Sept) in the Tabtouch Inter Dominion Final Barrier Draw Westbred C5 to C9. Starting from barrier 5 and with his customary speed, he zoomed to the front then ran two even quarters before stepping up to a 28.3 and 28.5 final two quarters. He went to the line untouched and under a strong hold, winning by 2.2m in 1:57 flat. The wins took Thereugo to $68,588 from 12 wins from only 27 starts. With the ability he shows you would expect him to be well past the $100,000, except for a long period awayfrom the track as a 3yo.

Thereugo is the first foal from well performed mare Janice Franco (Live Or Die) 1:58 $76,782. Janice Franco did most of her racing in WA, winning several metropolitan races. She was trained by a number of different trainers before being purchased and trained and driven by Donald Harper, who is also the breeder of Thereugo. Janice Franco is a half sister to Franco Jonquill (Falcon Seelster) 1:52.6 11 wins and $107,601 in stakes. Janice Franco is a full sister to the unraced dam of Franco Jazzman (McArdle) 1:54.7 $101,840 and belongs to the same family as Inter Dominion performer Franco Nelson (Christian Cullen) 1:53.1 $743,093.

Returning to the Gloucester Park winners list was 9yo gelding Dredlock Rockstar (Northern Luck out of Maid For Life by Safely Kept), who showed you cant keep a good horse down by winning the $20,000 Lightning Calder Pace for M2 class in 1:56.6. Starting from 7 at the barrier, things didnt look too good early, with a fast lead time of 36.6 and some early interference resulting in being second last. With 1200m to go he led up the 3 wide line and continued to make ground around the field. At the 400m he was running second with only race leader Tanaka Eagle to catch. Just getting to the front at the 50m after running three wide and super third and 4th quarters of 27.7 and 28.3, Dredlock Rockstar went on to win by 2m. Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd and trained and part owned by Ashleigh Markham, it was an excellent run and took his win tally to 17 with 30 places and earnings of just over $202,000, which includes wins in the Parliamentarians Cup and second in the Mount Eden Sprint.

Maid For Life, the non winning dam of Dredlock Rockstar, is the dam of 4 other winners including Choccy Mac (Barnett Hanover) 1:55.7 10 wins $74,548 and is a full sister to Bank The Money 1:59.1, 31 wins and $152,969 in stakes.This is the same family as Ti Amo Franco (Franco Terminator) 1:53.3 13 wns $148,398.

FIRST OF THE NEW SEASON

(1 September 17) On the first day of the new season it was a great return to racing for former 3yo Filly of the Year, now 5yo mare Dodolicious (Bettors Delight out of Slick Chic by Troublemaker) who raced for the first time in more than 3 months and won the C5 to C9 Westbred Pace over 2130m by 2.2m in 1:58.2. Dodolicious started in 6 in the 8 horse field and after restraining, found a good lead up in the two wide line to settle one out and one back. With the race leader Argyle Red really stepping up the pace in the third quarter to 27.8 it was up to Dodolicious to make the 3 wide forward move. Entering the home straight for the run to the line it was between Argyle Red and Dodolicious, with Dodolicious getting 2m clear at the 50m from the tiring Argyle Red, leaving Khun Ratha to run home for second with a last qtr of 28.7. The win was her first for 9 months and her 16th overall from only 29 starts which includes 9 places. Her total stakes are just under $450,000.

Bred by Greg Bond, Dodolicious is the 8th winner from Slick Chic who was the winner of 1 race. Other good performers produced by Slick Chick include Cuvee Riche (Kinney Hanover) 1:58.6 10 wins $112,125 and Sir Slick (Kinney Hanover) 1:56.6 11 wins $72,611. Slick Chic is a half sister to five winners including Fox Oshaughnessey (Fake Left), 1:53 35 wins $222,324. This is the maternal family of Mosan Derby, brought to WA by Chris Hodgson of Kellett Lodge Stud in the 60s. The family has produced multiple group winners including Golden Nugget winner Sinn Fein (Royal Force) 1:57.9 $247,359 and Sires Produce and Triple Crown winner Race Ruler (Racy Prince). Other recent winners from this family include Deluxe Edition (Jet Laag) 1.56.5 11 wins $129,095.

THE LAST FOR THE SEASON

(25 August 17) The last meeting for the season at Gloucester Park. There were some regular faces, and our last 3CO for the season.

Springing back into the winners list with a scintillating run over the 1730m, 6yo gelding Tanaka Eagle (Elsu out of Miss Tanaka by Badlands Hanover) raced to the lead from barrier 6 and was the tearaway leader in the first quarter which he ran in 26.9! Letting the field catch up, Tanaka Eagle steadied for the next two quarters before increasing speed for the third quarter and sprinting again over the final quarter in 27.8 to win by 2.1m. He certainly likes to be in front over this distance. Bred by Total Strategy Pty Ltd, the win took his career earnings to $136,662 from 15 wins and 33 places.

Tanaka Eagle is the first foal out of the unraced Miss Tanaka who is a half sister to Lockinver (Mach Three) 1:52.2 22 wins $264,010. The unraced Electrify (Holmes Hanover), the granddam of Tanaka Eagle, is a half sister to Dreamy Atom (Sokys Atom) 1:59.2 who in turn is the dam of Western Dream (Badlands Hanover) 1:56.3 14 wins $334,987 the dam of Western Cullen (Christian Cullen) 1:55.6 19 wins $447,536. Dreamy Atom is also the dam of Dream Royale (Beach Towel) 1:53.6 22 wins $145,068 and the unraced Christian Dreamer (Christian Cullen). Dream Royale is the dam of Soho Lennon (Mach Three) 1:51.0 25 wins and $337,627 in stakes and Christian Dreamer is the dam of Lets Chase The Dream (Bettors Delight) 1:49.9 13 wins $427,197.

Having trialled over the stand in June (winning) and then winning over the stand at his next start a week later, 4yo gelding Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den) was a good bet in the Slater Gartrell Sports Stand Handicap. Starting from the 10m line and stepping away fairly, Americanbootscoota waited for the field to settle before following another forward move and then going around to settle in the breeze with 2 laps to go. With the first and second quarter in even time, the pace stepped up in the third quarter to 28.1 and the field were struggling to make an impression on the leading pair. Coming out of the back straight Americanbootscoota challenged for the lead and just edged to the lead at the 100m and held out a late challenge to win by 1.3m in 1:59.5, last qtr 29.1. It was the 15th win (9th for the season) and gave him a career tally of $157,499 ($90,219 for the season) which included 9 places.

Winning the prized barrier 1 is always helpful for the right horse and 4yo gelding Rabchenko (Art Major out of Lady Parsons byParsons Den) was no exception, even though his starting odds of 20/1 didnt reflect this. Going out pretty fast Rabchenko conceded the race lead to Military Master who was out of the barrier even faster. With the lead time a snappy 36.2 and the next two quarters in under 30 it was a solidly run race. Getting off the rails at the 400m Rabchenko was manourvred into the 3 wide line than 4 wide on straightening. Running hard down the outside Rabchenko just managed to run over the leaders to win by 1.4m on the line. Bred and owned by Kevin and Annette Charles, the win was the 11th for Rabchenko in a season in which he won over $47,000 and set his lifetime best mark of 1:55.2.

Lady Parsons, the dam of Rabchenko, was unraced but has produced 2 good winners in Rabchenko and metropolitan winning mare Where Dreams Grow (Allamerican Ingot) 1:54.7 $103,800. This is the same family as Golden Slipper and WA Derby winning filly Via Vista (Mark Lobell) 1:56.1 29 wins $169,727.

Stepping out in the last metro 3C0 race for the season (havent they been a success) it was another excellent finish with the Mal and Tanya Hancock bred 3yo gelding Combat Crusade (Advance Attack out of Lopez Live by Live Or Die) who was victorious in the end. Combat Crusade started from barrier 2 and with a reasonable fast start he was quickly the race leader. The favourite was well back, with Combat Crusade looking comfortable in front. In the back straight he went for a real sprint to lead by 6m with the favourite having a hard run three wide. The effort was too much for the favourite who finished a gallant third, with Combat Crusade holding out a late challenge to win by 1m to bring up his first lifetime win.

Lopez Live (Live Or Die) 2:05.1 $5,945 as produced 2 other winners and is the only raced progeny of her dam Whitby Lopez (Mystical Prince). Whitby Lopez is out of the broodmare gem Orthez (Racy Prince) who produced 9 winners including Whitby Tolez (Booth Hanover) 1:58.7 $200,196 the dam of Chairman Whitby (Walton Hanover) 1:50.8 $205,009; Travelling Whitby (Booth Hanover) 1:53.6 $148,404; and Coco Chanel (Mystical Prince) the dam of Cool Adda (Chill Factor) 1:56.2 $160,839. Orthez herself is a half sister to Palimar (Mint Condition) 1:57.4 $306,125, a very prominent pacer in WA in the late 80s

IT'S ANOTHER FIVE

(18 August 17) It was another good night of racing and another 5 winners, with mostly a good night for the punters and an especiallly good night for the connections of our winners.

With a Bunbury win a fortnight earlier in a lifetime best of 1:55.4, supporters of 6yo gelding Khun Ratha (Bettors Delight out of Calafia by Holmes Hanover) were not deterred by his wide barrier and he started second favourite in the $18,500 Clipsal by Schneider Pace for M0 class over the stayers 2536m. Going forward out of the barrier Khun Ratha was unable to gain an inside running and was then restrained to eventually settle second last. The favourite was in the front and setting a solid pace. Still second last with a lap to go, Khun Ratha had to drop back to last to make a run around the field at the 400m. Six wide around the home turn, Khun Ratha ran them all down and finished 1.1m ahead on the line. Bred and owned by Paul Poli, it was the 13th win for Khun Ratha with 28 places for a career tally of just under $120,000

Returning to the winners list after nearly a year 8yo entire Say It Now (Bettors Delight out of Promising Gift by Bright As Day) made the most of a good barrier in a small field and two class drops down to an M1. Starting in barrier 2 in the 9 horse field, Say It Now just managed to grab the position behind the leader before the gap closed. With even sectionals, Say It Now was still comfortably behind the leader running into the back straight the last time. The third quarter was run in 28.2 and with some runners faltering a gap opened up for Say It Now as the field cornered for the run into the home straight. Moving to 3 wide he was still third at the 100m but outstayed his rivals to grab the win on the line. He has been an excellent earner for the Charles' family with $213,435 for his 19 wins and 21 places. His lifetime best of 1:55.4 was set at his previous win in September 2016.

Promising Gift (Bright As Day) 2:02.7 $25,812, the winner of 6 races and dam of Say It Now, is the dam of 4 winners from 5 to race including Looks Promising (Modern Art) 1:54.7, 12 wins and $74,758 and Bettors Gift (Bettors Delight) 5 wins and $29,497. The great granddam of Promising Gift is Heather Frost (Tarport Adios) the dam of one of the best horses to race in Australia in Preux Chevalier 1:54.3 40 wins $791,331 including an Inter Dominion Grand Final!

With a win the previous week, 4yo gelding Johnny Disco (Jeremes Jet) started at surprisingly good odds of 12/1 in Heat 3 of the Schrader for M1 class. Starting from barrier 11, he maintained his line out of the barrier and settled one out and 2 back in the main field, with the 2 race leaders running 35m in front with a lead time probably the fastest ever at GP in 33.7. The punters would be worrying with the second favourite Thereugo involved in this skirmish and the favourite Nathans Courage tasked with leading up the main field from the breeze. With Thereugo getting to the front at the 1400 and Nathans Courage getting to the rails, Johnny Disco was now one out and one back. At the 1000m Nathans Courage again moved to the breeze as the field caught the two leaders. The three wide line formed with a lap to go and Johnny Disco, who hadnt needed to make a move to this stage, was now one out one back again. Making a move at the 400m, Johnny Disco rounded the turn into the home straight 3 wide and looking the only threat to the two favourites. Nathans Courage and Thereugo both fought back bravely but Johnny Disco got to the lead within the shadows of the post to win by a neck. It was his second successive win in good company and 14th win overall. With over $226,000 in the bank he has been a very good horse for owner breeders John and Sue Awcock and part owner J Lawrence.

With young reinsman Stewie McDonald back in town he was back on board El Hombre (Badlands Hanover out of Appaloosa by OK Bye) and it was an excellent outcome for owner breeder Bob Fowler with El Hombre winning the $23,000 M2 to M4 Retravision Pace over 2130m. Starting from the same barrier as Johnny Disco earlier, he was even longer odds at 16/1. Setting 3rd along the rails he was getting a nice trip with an even first quarter and very slow second quarter. The third quarter was a super 27.7. Travelling like a winner but still trapped in the same position coming out of the back straight, it looked highly unlikely that he could win. On straightening he was just able to get into the two wide line and at the 100m got clear ground and absolutely motored home to win by a half neck in a mile rate of 1:57.3, last quarter 28.2. El Hombre has had an excellent season with just over $73,000 and the win was his 11th. Along with 14 places his career earnings are just under $117,000.

El Hombre's dam Appaloosa produced 5 other winners including Eurodollar (Million To One) 1:56.6 10 win $94,336 and Parsonemby (Parsons Den) 1:56.3 $200,902. Aspiration (Sonsam), the dam of Appaloosa, is a half sister to the dam of Sokys Legend (Sokys Atom). Sokys Legend is the dam of London Legend (In The Pocket ) 1:57.2 14 wins $290,778 and Bit Of A Legend (Bettors Delight) 1:50.6 33 wins $1,803,317 who is racing successfully at top level in the US.

It was the second last Gloucester Park 3C0 for the season and it was the fillies turn. Placed in two of her previous three starts, 3yo filly The Royal Lady (Allamerican Ingot out of Royal Diva by Safely Kept) was starting as favourite from barrier 1. Going straight to the front, The Royal Lady was unchallenged and duly dictated the terms of the race. With a lap to go it was three across the track but the Royal Lady was a length clear in the back straight and had moved further ahead coming into the turn into the home straight. Running comfortably to the line she went on to win the Perth Interdominion 3yo Westbred Filles Pace by 6.8m to bring up her second career win and a career total of nearly $23,000 in stakes.

Bred by Ross Torre's Royalstar Pty Ltd, The Royal Lady is a half sister to Lucky Diva (Northern Luck) 1:54.4 11 wins $147,771. Their dam Royal Diva (Safely Kept) is a winning half sister to 8 other winners!

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL NIGHT

(11 August 17) After 6 winners at headquarters last week, it was another 5 this week. It was a "great night out" with some very high class wins by some very promising WA bred horses. It was also excitement plus in the last with a rare dead heat!

Starting the night off well for our WA bred horses was 6yo gelding Real Zeal (Real Desire out of Rich Date by Rich And Spoilt), who made a good start from barrier 1 to hold up from the inside and get the sit behind the favourite who started in 2. With the breeze horse holding position until the turn into the home straight, Real Zeal was still behind the race leader Brookies Jet and looking like he wouldnt get a run. The gap came when Brookies Jet went for a winning break and Real Zeal was able to manourvre out from the rails and dash past the leader to win the $18,000 Allwood Stud Farm Pace by a head in 1:57.9, with last qtrs in 28.7 and 29.4. bred by Harry Capararo and Kevin Keys, the win was the 8th for Real Zeal who with 20 places has career earnings of $75,928.

Real Zeal is the first of three winners from his 100% producing dam Rich Date 2:01.1 $13,750. Rich Date is full sister to the unraced My Sweet Adda, who is the dam of Blacknsweet Adda (Sutter Hanover) 1:55.2 21 wins $199,317.

Starting from the inside of the back row, 4yo gelding Johnny Disco (Jeremes Jet out of Dalmore Disco by Presidential Ball) settled nicely into 3rd on the rails, with the favourite in the one out one back position. With a lap to go a strong three wide move from the rear upped the tempo of the race, with Johnny Disco still bailed away on the fence. As soon as the favourite moved three wide to challenge, Johnny Disco went straight into the vacated position and kept going forward, now 4 wide, to chase down the leaders. It was a line of 4 coming into the home straight with the favourite just getting to the lead at the 100m only to be run down by Johnny Disco who won the $18,500 Follow The Stars at Allwood Pace by 2.5m in a mile rate of 1:57.3, last qtrs 28.8 and 28.3. Bred and part owned by Sue and John Awcock, the win was the 13th for the Caduceus Club and Country Derby winner and took his stakes to $216,603. It was also his second win in 4 starts.

Johnny Disco is one of only two foals (both winners) from his dam Dalmore Disco 1:57.5 who was a very good race mare winning $101,681 from 12 wins and 19 places. Disco Lights (Northern Lights) 1:57.5, 12 wins $75,681 the dam of Dalmore Disco, was also an excellent race mare and is a half sister to 7 winners including Disco Force (Resonator) 1:53.8 27 wins $268,416 including the 2000 Golden Slipper, and Disco Flyer (In The Pocket) $186,313. The unraced Madam Butterfly (Windshield Wiper), the dam of Disco Lights, is a half sister to Tailamade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:55.3 49 wins $1,354,978 and Espeshlimade Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:58.6 $299,199.

The third race saw the third win for a WA bred horse with 6yo mare Forever Remembered (Shattering Class out of Huntress Bell by J Cs Suprimo) reigning supreme in the $19,000 Lombo Mandingo at Allwood Stud M0 to M1 Mares.Starting from 6, Forever Remembered was last in the running line after the field settled. A slow lead time and first quarter followed. With a lap to go she followed the three wide move of her stablemate and was running comfortably along with cover. Coming out of the back straight reinsman Kyle Harper took Forever Remembered four wide around the tiring stablemate to make a charge at the leaders. Running fifth as they cornered, she flew down the outside to grab the favourite and the win by a head on the line, with last quarters in 28.5 and 28.4. Bred, owned and trained by members of the Ashcroft familly in Debra, Bianca and Errol, the win took her to a very handy $110,678 from 11 wins and 30 places.

Forever Remembered is named in memory of George Ashcroft and Shattering Class, one of WA’s favourite pacers of the 90s through to the early 2000sand raced by the Ashcrofts. Shattering Class won 62 races including major Cups and Group races and total stakes of $810,302. Forever Remembered belongs to the same family as some of our top horses bred by Fred Doy and Adios Stud from earlier days including Answer Me.

Then there was four! Starting from outside the front line but still favoured to win, 4yo gelding Thereugo (McArdle out of Janice Franco by Live Or Die) scooted out from the barrier but didnt quite get the front initially. Working forward he got to the lead with two laps to go and slowed the race for the next two quarters. Held back to the field in the back straight the last time, Thereugo proved to be too difficult to run down when in front and went on to win the C5 to C9 by 2.2m with a last quarter of 28.2. It was the second win on the night for driver Kyle Harper, and took the stakes for Thereugo to $55,790 from 10 wins 2 places from 24 starts. Bred, owned and trained by Donald, Don and Kyle Harper respectively, it was also his fifth win in 6 starts, with his lifetime best 1:54.2 set in June 2017.

Thereugo is out of well performed mare Janice Franco (Live Or Die) 1:58 $76,782, who is a half sister to Franco Jonquill (Falcon Seelster)1:52.6 11 wins and $107,601 in stakes. Janice Franco is a full sister to the unraced dam of Franco Jazzman (McArdle) 1:54.7 $101,840. NZ bred Joanie Franco (Talk About Class) the dam of Janice Franco, is out of the Group 1 winning NSW trotting mare Joanie Toliver (Toliver Hanover) 2:05..5 $67,246. The granddam of Joanie Toliver is a half sister to Colwyn Bay, the dam of one of the worlds most highly regarded pacers of all time in Cardigan Bay (Hal Tryax) 1:56.2 $1,000,837. The family also includes Glenferrie Hood (Christian Cullen) 1:52.0 $273,173, Chancellor Cullen (Christian Cullen) - 1:52.4 $411,821, Franco Nelson (Christian Cullen) 1:53.1 $743,093, and locally raced mare Bettor Be Supreme (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 $126,704 and her full brother Spanish Armada 1:52.1 $787,470.

It was one of the biggest winning margins at GP for quite some time, with 6yo gelding Gotta Go Chocolate (Gotta Go Cullect out of Tapu Lady by Troublemaker) winning the $18,000 Allwood Stud Specialising in AI M0 Pace by nearly 29m. Drawn on the inside of the back row, Gotta Go Chocolate settled 3rd on the rails with the race favourite leading. Whle the favourite was being tested by Gotta Go Chocolate's stablemate, Gotta Go Chocolate was able to take advantage of the gap behind the breeze horse and slipped straight into the one out one back position with 1000m to go. The first three quarters were solid and all under 30, leaving the favourite vulnurable. Gotta Go Chocolate swept up three wide in the back straight and was in front at the 450m. Absolutely scooting in front, Gotta Go Chocolate bolted in, last quarter 28.8 and a lifetime best of 1:56. Bred by David Stringer, Gotta Go Chocolate took his stakes to $63,181 from the 10 wins and 11 places.

It was excitement all around in the last for the 3C0s, and you couldnt get a closer result. Favourite in 1 Midnight Man (Village Jolt out of Darkest Hour by Exotic Earl) was beaten for speed out of the barrier and All The Whispers (Major In Art out of Stage Whisper by Armbro Operative) went to the lead in a 38.9 lead time, with Midnight Man parked behind him. Fairly steady quarters followed, and in the back straight the last time it looked a race in two between All The Whispers and the breeze horse. However, Midnight Man who was two lengths off the lead was making a good run and with a dive on the line he just got to All The Whispers and it was a dead heat. The win was the first ever for All The Whispers and the third for Midnight Man.

All the Whispers is bred and owned by Kim Marsh and Midnight Man was bred by the late Laurie Kennedy. Stage Whisper (Armbro Operative), the dam of All The Whispers, is also the dam of Extreme Dreams (Dream Away) 1:54.8 $120,316. Darkest Hour (Exotic Earl) 1:57.8 $22,479, the dam of Midnight Man, is also the dam of Addfueltofire (Artistic Fella) 1:56.3 $63,479.

WINNERS GALORE

(4 August 17) It was a "great night out" with some very high class wins by some very promising WA bred horses.

Described as "could be dangerous" by race caller Richie Bell, 2yo filly Captured Delight (Bettors Delight out of Capture A Million by Million To One) worked to the front from the 5 barrier and had the lead with the favourite Rosies Ideal eventually settling in the breeze after being restrained early. Captured Delight looked comfortable in front and with the advantage of the rails, she was able to to run a 31.3 first quarter before increasing the pace steadily. Looking a litte at risk in the back straight with the favourite Rosies Ideal coming at her, Captured Delight mustered some grit and even though she was almost headed coming out of the back straight, she fought back and held out the favourite to win the $18,000 Owners Only 2yo Fillies Pace by a half neck in 1:58.9, last two quarters 28.4 and 29.8. Owned and bred by Terry Ferguson, it was her second successive win and took her win tally to 3 along with 6 places and stakes of $29,760.

Next up, and starting wide from 7 on the front, 6yo mare Kissmecougar (Live Or Die out of Pure Hilarion by Hilarion Star) went forward out of the barrier but had to restrain back and settled second last in the moving line, behind the race favourite. With the favourite moving out 3 wide and then getting to the breeze, Kissmecougar was one out and four back with a lap to go. Taking a 3 wide trail, Kissmecougar was able to get within striking distance before making a 4 wide move coming out of the back straight. Coming home very strongly, she easily got to the favourite who was the new race leader, and went on to win the $18,000 Own A Piece of the Action Trotsynd M0 Mares Pace by 3.6m with a further 8.8m to third. Bred by Neil Henwood, this was her 8th win and including her 11 places, she has now earned $54,281. This was her second consecutive win, having set her lifetime best mark of 1:55.6 at her previous win at Bunbury.

Kissmecougar is the second winner produced by her dam Pure Hilarion 1:56.9 who was a successful racemare winning 12 races and earning over $65,000 in her career. Pure Hilarion belongs to the same family as Silver Bracelet, dual Empress Stakes and Mount Eden Sprint winner and top 70s mare Kiwi Cloud (Eagle Armbro) 1:59.6 $59,775.

After hanging back behind the barrier, 5yo gelding Vultan Tin (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Ellevarrac by Pacific Fella) got quickly into position at release point and continued a forward move 3 wide, getting to the front by the top of the home straight first time. Running along in front and leading by 10m, Vultan Tin kept everyone honest and at the start of the 3rd quarter he was every bit of 20m in front. With a massive lead in the back straight, and in a 27 flat 3rd quarter, Vultan Tin went on to win the $20,000 I Am Immortal M0 to M2 Pace by 7.4m, with a big 12.6m margin to third. Owned and bred by Phil and D Costello, Vultan Tin ran his lifetime best of 1:55.9 over the 2130m, and the win was his 12th. With 24 placings along the way, his stakes are now $162,044. He has been super consistent this season winning over $105,000 (including a win in the $20,000 Italian Cup and the $30,000 Narrogin Cup, both staying races) and being no further back than 4th in his last 6 starts.

Vultan Tin was bred and owned by Phil and D Costello and also trained by Phil, who also bred his dam Ellevarrac (Pacific Fella) 1:59.3 and $12,896 in stakes.

With the $23,000 race named after the one and only Laurie Kennedy, it was a very worthy win by a WA bred and WA sired horse in 4yo gelding .Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den). Bred by Royalstar Pty LTd and showing a lot of class, Americanbootscoota started favourite from 1 and going straight to the front he duly won the Vale Laurie Kennedy M3 and better 1730m Pace in an incredible 1:52.5, first qtr 27.5 and last qtr 27.1. He has career stakes of $144,959 from 14 wins 9 places, and this was his lifetime best mark. He has won just under $80,000 this season, and it was his 6th win from his last 8 starts.

Originally a $10,000 purchase at the 2014 WA Yearling Sale, Americanbootscoota is out of the unraced Bootscootngirl (Parsons Den) who has done an excellent job as a broodmare producing 3 winners from her first three foals. She is a half sister to 6 winners including top class Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425 and Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 11 wins and $80,603.

Now for the main race. In what turned out to be a very West Aussie night, it was another really promising 4yo in Natural Disaster (Shadow Play out of Lucrative Kate by Armbro Operative), who stepped out as favourite from 3 and led all the way in the $25,000 4 and 5YO Kerry Clarke Westbred Final. With no challenges the lead time was a leisurely 38.3. Settling into a steady rate the next two quarters were just over 30 and with the pace increasing in the 3rd quarter to 28 flat, Natural Disaster was running along powerfully and pulling away coming out of the back straight. Running a 26.6 last quarter it was impossible for anyone to catch him and he went on to win the $25,000 Kerry Clarke 4 and 5yo Westbred Final by 10.7m in 1:56.4. The other placings were taken by the next two rails horses. The win was his 10th with another 8 places from only 28 starts and lifetime stakes of $121,614. This was his 6th win from his last 8 starts and took his season tally to just over $94,000.

The last of our 6 winners on the night was 3yo filly Blackjack Anna (Santanna Blue Chip out of Well Thats Life by Live Or Die). After starting from barrier 5, Blackjack Anna was forced to drop right back to last. Following a 3 wide move at the 1000m, Blackjack Anna was travelling well and at the 400m she moved 4 wide and sprinted hard. Coming out of the back straight she was running second, still 4 wide, and within a length of the leader. On straigtening it was a hard fought battle betwen three fillies, with Blackjack Anna just getting the upperhand on the line to win the Cosmic Horizons 3YO Westbred Fillies C0 Pace by a neck. The win was the first for Blackjack Anna, who has 8 places as well to date and $16,355 in stakes. These 3C0 events have all been very good races and have allowed some of the late 3yos to come through for a win.

Bred by Total Strategy Pty Ltd, Blackjack Anna is the second winner from her dam Well Thats Life (Live Or Die) 1 :59.8 who raced in three states and was the winner of 12 races for $69,158 in stakes. Blackjack Anna is a half sister to Group 1 winner Persistent Threat (Advance Attack) 1:55.3 14 wins $155,520. Well Thats Life is the only mare from her unraced dam Seeking Fame (Bard From Wagering) to go to stud.

BOOTS N ALL

(28 July 17) There might have only been one Westbred winner on the night (giving the others a chance for a change!) but the connections of the winner in the last race were a very happy bunch.

A very pleasing win for the connections of big strong Westsired 3yo colt Yankee Boots (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den) with a double Westbred Bonus attached to his win. Starting from 5 on the front Yankee Boots was caught 3 wide early but a moderate lead time allowed reinsman Kyle Harper to move to the breeze after half a lap. Running even time the next two quarters, Yankee Boots made his move in the back straight the last time and went past race leader and favourite Blazing Saddles to be a length in front at the 300m. Going further away in the run to the finish, Yankee Boots won the In Memory of Jack Simmons 3C0 3yo Pace by 10.2m in 1:59.1, last half 58.7.

Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd and purchased for just $9,500 at the 2015 Yearling Sale, the win was his second, along with 5 places and $11,749 in stakes and about $11,000 in Bonuses.

Yankee Boots is the third foal and third winner from the unraced Bootscootngirl (Parsons Den) and full brother to the very promising Americanbootscoota 1:55.2 13 wins $129,779. Bootscootngirl is a half sister to 6 winners including Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425, Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 11 wins $80,603 and non winner Texan Jet (Jet Laag) the dam of another promising young gelding in Anvil Rollover (Artistic Fella) 1:56.1 6 wins $34,005. The dam of Bootscootngirl is the Fake Left mare Texan Cowgirl 6 wins $20,645 who is a full sister to Madusa Cam 1:58.9 11 wins $94,162 and a half sister to Capricorn Cruiser (Kinney Hanover) 1:57.6 17 wins $206,464.

PICTURE PERFECT NIGHT FOR JODIE

(21 July 17) Some cheers for one of our good supporters - good to see photographer Jodie Hallows score a win in the $23,000 Botra Cup over the stand journey of 2503m when Our Sky Art (Art Major), who she part owns, won by a neck even though he galloped out. His stakes are now a tidy $114,350 for the full brother to Our Sky Major 1:50.4 16 wins $789,358. Congratulations Jodie! And the night also saw classy 6yo mare Ideal Alice (American Ideal) put in a strong staying performance at her second start back after a 6 month absence and win the $23,000 Garrards Horse & Hound M0 and better Pace over the stayers distance of 2536m. The win was her 19th and took her to one race win short of $300,000 The mile rate of 1:57 was top class and the 2016 WASBA Breeders Stakes winner looks to be on track for further success leading to the Mares Classic in December. Now for the WA winners!

Promising 4yo geldingThereugo (McArdle out of Janice Franco by Live Or Die) set the pace and won Heat 3 of the Garrards Horse & Hound Chandon for M2 class. Bursting out from 7 on the front, Thereugo was in front after 500m. Slowing to a 31 and then 30 quarter (seems to be the routine these days) it was a sprint home in the rain, with Thereugo running 27.9 and 28.4 to maintain his advantage on the rails and win in a fighting finish by 1.7m. Bred and owned by Donald Harper and trained and driven by Kyle Harper, Thereugo took his stakes to just over $50,000 from 9 wins and 2 places.

Thereugo is the first foal out of the successful WA racemare Janice Franco (Live Or Die) 1:58 $76,782, who is a half sister to Franco Jonquill (Falcon Seelster)1:52.6 11 wins and $107,601 in stakes and a full sister to the unraced Jazz Franco, dam of Franco Jazzman (McArdle) 1:54.7 $101,840. Joanie Franco (Talk About Class) the dam of Janice Franco, was bred in New Zealand and is out of the Group 1 winning NSW trotting mare Joanie Toliver (Toliver Hanover) 2:05..5 $67,246. The granddam of Joanie Toliver is a half sister to Colwyn Bay, the dam of Cardigan Bay (Hal Tryax) 1:56.2 $1,000,837. Through another half sister to Colwyn Bay the family includes Glenferrie Hood (Christian Cullen) 1:52.0 $273,173, Chancellor Cullen (Christian Cullen) - 1:52.4 $407,301, Franco Nelson (Christian Cullen) 1:53.1 $743,093, locally raced mare Bettor Be Supreme (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 $126,704 and full brother Spanish Armada 1:52.1 $787,470.

Stepping out for the 4th consecutive week, 2yo fillies Rosies Ideal (American Ideal out of Rosie Malone by Live Or Die) started favourite despite the wide draw at 8 and ran another excellent race. Caught wide early, she was restrained briefly before following the forward move by All Over Tan who was then left in the breeze after Rosies ideal went past to take the race leaders role. The lead time of 39.1 left Rosies Ideal with plenty in reserve and although there was some challenges in the last 200m there was no real threat and she went on to a comfortable win in the $18,000 Garrards Horse and Hound 2yo Fillies Pace by 4.5m with a last quarter of 28.9. The win took her to $51,880 from 3 wins and 1 place from 7 starts, with her wins including the Group 2 $35,000 Gold Bracelet a fortnight ago.She was placed 4th in the $125,000 Golden Slipper last week.

Owned by Craig and A M Lynn, and bred by the Lynns and D Trigwell, Rosies Ideal is the first foal from good race mare Rosie Malone who won 7 races and was placed 14 times for career stakes of nearly $50,000. Rosie Malone won 3 races in New Zealand before being bought by the breeders of Rosies Ideal to race in WA.

Another nice win by a 3yo Westbred filly with Susie Rocks (Yankee Sensation out of Miss Peggy Sue by Mystical Prince) taking out the last of the night after starting favourite from the difficult barrier 9. Dropping back at the start, Susie Rocks was a clear last in the very wet conditions with second favourite Dibaba in the lead. With 1000m to go driver Chris Lewis moved out 3 wide and continued to move forward, hitting the lead at the 400 but still 3 wide. Rounding the turn it was a close tussle, with Dibaba fighting back on the inside. Susie Rocks gradually wore down Dibaba to win by a neck in 2:01, with a further 9m to third. The win was her first from only 3 starts.

Bred and part owned by Debra Lewis and trained by Debra, Susie Rocks is the first foal out of Miss Peggy Sue who won 4 races and 11 places for $43,356 in stakes. Miss Peggy Sue is the first foal out of another good race mare in Group 2 winning mare All Colours Flying (Mystical Prince) 1:58.6 5 wins and 21 places for $63,462. The dam of All Colours Flying is champion mare Miss Booth (Booth Hanover) 1:59.9 14 wins 8 places and $212,952 in stakes including wins in the 2yo Fillies Classic, the Pearl Classic (against the boys) and the Bathurst Gold Tiara, all Group 1 events.

GOLDEN SLIPPER NIGHT AND A FUTURE STAR OF THE TRACK

(14 July 17) It was Golden Slipper night and some great racing. The night's racing included an excellent winning return to racing for 5yo mare Quite A Delight after a 6 months away, as three wins from our WA bred horses.

After overracing at his previous start, 4yo gelding Thereugo(McArdle out of Janice Franco by Live Or Die) was a little wider in the betting, starting at 8/1. From barrier 5, Thereugo came out hard and was almost unchallenged getting to the lead. A natural front runner and always hard to beat from the front, Thereugo set up solid quarters, and was clear a length in the back straight before setting a 27.6 3rd quarter. No one was going to get past him and he held the field comfortably to win the Choices Flooring Busselton C5 to C9 Pace for by 2m in 1:55.9, last qtr 28.6. The win was his 8th and he also has 2 places in his 22 starts for a career stakes of $40,516.

Bred and owned by Donald Harper, Thereugo is the first foal out of the successful racemare Janice Franco (Live Or Die) 1:58 $76,782. The granddam of Thereugo is a daughter of Group 1 winning trotting mare Joanie Toliver (Toliver Hanover) 2:05.5 $67,246. This is the family of Cardigan Bay (Hal Tryax) 1:56.2 $1,000,837, with the granddam of Joanie Toliver being a a half sister to his dam Colwyn Bay, the dam of Cardigan Bay. This is a very strong maternal line and includes Franco Jazzman (McArdle) 1:54.7 $101,840, Glenferrie Hood (Christian Cullen) 1:52.0 $273,173, Chancellor Cullen (Christian Cullen) - 1:52.4 $407,301, Franco Nelson (Christian Cullen) 1:53.1 $743,093, locally raced mare Bettor Be Supreme (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 $126,704 and full brother Spanish Armada 1:52.1 $787,470, Natural Woman (Badlands Hanover) 1:52 $570,886, Cheer The Lady (Bettors Delight) 1:55.1 $279,222 and other high class winners.

Looking for his 4th straight win and 5th from 6 starts it was full steam ahead for 4yo gelding Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den) in the $21,000 Choices Flooring Bunbury M1 to M3 Pace. Pressing forward three wide after starting from 5 out of the barrier he sprinted to the lead with 2 laps to go. Lead time 36.3 was fast and it was going to be difficult to catch the in form Bootscoota. With even 30 for the second and third quarter and 28 flat in the back straight he was 6m clear coming out of the back and went on to win easily by 2.3m, last qtr 27.2. Part owned by the Lewis family, trained by Debra and driven by Chris Lewis, the win was the 13th for Americanbootscoota and as well as running a lifetime best of 1:55.2 it took his stakes to a tidy $129,779.

Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd, Americanbootscoota is adding to the success of his unraced dam Bootscootngirl who has three winners from her first three foals. Bootscootngirl is a half sister to 6 winners including top class Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425. This is also the family of Toolara Dream (Lumber Dream) 1:55.3 $292,018, Capricorn Cruiser (Kinney Hanover) 1:57.6 17 wins $206,464 and Tasmanians champions Joseph Scott (Scotty Belmont) and Valencia Bay (Scotty Belmont).

The main race of the night was also the 2yo Final for the season, the $125,000 Golden Slipper. Like many previous Slippers, it was won by an abolutely brilliant pacer, this time the Mach Three colt Jack Mac. Starting as a $1.10 favourite from barrier 2 he was expected to go straight to the lead and win, and this is what he did. With ace reinsman Chris Lewis on board to make sure nothing went wrong, Jack Mac went through the 2130m of the Slipper in 1:57, lead time 37.7 and last two quarters in 28.7 and 27.9. It was a valiant effort by the filly Cott Beach (in an unusual year there were 4 fillies in the race) to try to chase him down, but Jack Mac went on to win by 7.3m with 6.6m to third. The win was his 6th straight, and he remains unbeaten in Australia with $186,749 in stakes.

Jack Mac was bred by the New Zealand arm of Alabar Bloodstock. He is the 7th foal and 5th winner from Matavutu (New York Motoring) who won only one race. However, this is the family of the 1978 Inter Dominion winner Markovina, with the granddam of Matavutu being a full sister to Markovina (Mark Lobell).

Waiting for the last race of the night is never a problem if you win. So it was a great result for owner breeders Warren and Adam Towie with 3yoWestsired gelding Illusionation (Rich And Spoilt out of Awesome Cassi by Armbro Operative) winning the Choices Flooring Northam 3yo Westbred 3C0 Pace by a very impressive 11.2m in a good time of 1:58.4. The lead time was fast and coming out from barrier 11 on the second row, Illusionation settled nicely into the one out one back position. With the field slowing in the first quarter the favourite, who was racing behind the leader came off the rails to settle in the breeze. With a lap to go driver Gary Hall Jnr took the initiative to lead the three wide line and Illusionation travelled strongly to hit the lead three wide at the 400m. Sprinting further away Illusionation made it the 5th win on the night to Gary Hall Jnr, a very impressive result for both horse and driver. Illusionation has now won 2 races after a R class win in February and has 4 places for stakes of just under $13,000. Being Westsired his win tonight brought in a double win bonus for his connections.

Illusionation is the first winner from his dam Awesome Cassi (Armbro Operative) a handy winner of 9 races and $31,785 in stakes. Awesome Cassi is a half sister to 4 winners including Half A Mill (Million To One) 1:57.2 $85,370. Lombo Lucida (Northern Lights) the dam of Awesome Cassi, won only one race but is the dam of 10 winners including Showstopper (Northern Luck) 1:55.5 12 wins $90,920 and promising 3yo Baylan Jett (Courage Under Fire) 1:57.6 4 wins $39,386.

WINNERS GALORE ON A NIGHT OF GOLD

(7 July 17) It was a great night "in" for WA bred horses with 6 out of the 10 races going West, a good indication that there are some quality WA bred horses. Some very good prior form going into the meeting meant that the punters should have done well also.

Our first winner started a short priced favourite despite the 9 barrier, and ran like a favourite should. 4yo Westsired gelding Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den) went forward from his wide barrier and initially 3 wide, continued to work forward until reaching the lead after 400m. Travelling strongly and running even quarters, he slipped away coming around the home turn and extended his lead for a classy win in the 2536m $18,000 Lombo Mandingo at Allwood Stud Pace by 11.7m in 1:58.2, last quarter 28.5. This was his 3rd win in a row and 4th from 5 starts, with a career tally of 12 wins and 9 places for $115,569.

Bred by Royalstar Pty LTd, he has been a terrific purchase for his new ownership team under trainer Debra Lewis. His unraced dam Bootscootngirl has produced 3 winners from her first three foals and is a half sister to 6 winners including top class Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425, Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 11 wins and $80,603 and Texan Jet (Jet Laag) the dam of the very promising Anvil Rollover (Artistic Fella) 1:56.1 $34,005. Texan Cowgirl (Fake Left) the dam of Bootscootngirl, was a 6 times winner and is out of Texan Classic (Classic Garry) who is also the dam of Capricorn Cruiser (Kinney Hanover) 1:57.6 17 wins $206,464 and full sister to Texan Cowgirl in Madusa Cam (Fake Left) 1:58.9 11 wins $94,162.

With the speed on out of the barrier and third in line for favouritism, 4yo gelding Natural Disaster (Shadow Play out of Lucrative Kate by Armbro Operative) just managed to grab the position behind race leader and second favourite El Hombre as the field was settling for position. In the back straight the last time with the field closing up, Natural Disaster was looking for a way out. As they left the back straight Natural Disaster was able to move out to chase down and pass El Hombre. Clear by a length at the 100m, Natural Disaster managed to hold out the late challenge by Daniel John to win Heat 1 of Allwood Stud The Chandon by a neck in an impressive 1:55.6, last quarters a very speedy 28.3 and 27.6. El Hombre, who had made the running, was able to hold on for third. The win was the ninth for Natural Disaster and with seven places his stakes total $102,864. The win was his 3rd in a row and 5th from 6 starts so his recent form has been very impressive.

Bred and owned by Oz-West Pacing, Natural Disaster has shown a lot of talent, winning a Golden Nugget Prelude in 2016 and his stakes this season are a very respectable $75,504. Natural Disaster is the first winner from his winning dam Lucrative Kate who is a daughter of Lucrative Lady (Embrace Me) 2:00.3 $23,446. Lucrative Lady the dam of Lucrative Kate, produced 3 other winners and is a daughter of Rosewood Pace (Mark Lobell) who produced 12 foals for 10 winners including Hy Falutin (Troublemaker) 1:55.9, 18 wins $135,833 and Fair Dinkum Lombo (Christian Cullen) 1:58.6, 13 wins $71,106. This is also the family of Mon Lillies (Artesian) 1:54.7 10 wins $95,605 and Lombo Ranmiles (Saab) 1:52 $122,097.

The $35,000 2yo Fillies Gold Bracelet was the race of the night and there was a lot of good form and good fillies in the race. Starting at surprisingly good odds of 10/1 after such a good run the previous week, 2yo filly Rosies Ideal (American Ideal out of Rosie Malone by Live Or Die) put in another strong run to win the $35,000 2yo fillies Gold Bracelet after starting from 8 on the front line. With second favourite Infinite Symbol stepping away badly from 1, the favourite The War Nurse sped to the front from 4 and Rosied Ideal settled near last of the main bunch. Taking off 3 wide after passing the finish post the first time Rosies Ideal moved up quickly to settle in the breeze. Moving up at the 400 to be level with the leader The War Nurse, it was a hard fought battle in the run to the finish with Rosies Ideal wearing down The War Nurse to win by 2m in 2:00.1.

Bred and owned by Craig and A Lynn, this was her second win from only 5 starts and her stakes are now $35,000.

Rosies Ideal is the first foal from her dam Rosie Malone (Live Or Die) 2:01.3 7 wins, 14 places and $49,182. NZ mare Rosie Malone was also raced by the Lynns.

Handsome grey geldingThe Revolution (Northern Luck out of My Royal Doreen by Jet Laag) is showing the benefit of a new ownership and training team this year. Stepping out fast from 4 as race favourite, he was fast out, initially taking the breeze position but getting cover after half a lap. The pace was really on over the 1730m race with 29.3 and 28.9 for the first two quarters, The Revolution was still one out one back with 300 to go. Coming out of the back straight he moved three wide and showing determination, got to the lead at the 100m and went on to win the $18,000 Allwood Stud Specialising in AI M0 Pace by 2.6m in an excellent 1:54.9, last quarters 28.6. The win was his 11th, with 16 places and just over $113,000 in stakes.

Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd, he is the first foal from the lightly raced mare My Royal Doreen, who won twice but retired through injury after only 6 starts. My Royal Doreen is also the dam of 3yo Itz Dynamo (Allamerican Ingot) 1:59 $45,710. My Royal Doreen is out of the winning mare Shivering (Chill Factor) who also produced Gives Me Chills (Northern Luck) 1:57.4 11 wins $61,116. Shivering is a half sister to Tuapeka Pocket (In The Pocket) 2:01.9 the dam of Hokuri Handrail (Falcon Seelster) 1:51.4 32 wins $280,332.

With a flat tyre the previous week ruining his chances in the Westbred Classic the previous week, 2yo colt Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art) was looking to make amends in the $18,000 Yearling Preparation at Allwood Stud 2yo Pace. Starting from 2 on the front, Rock Me Over settled behind the race leader. With some worthy opposition it was a very slow lead time and a cat and mouse affair. With a lap to go, a three wide challenge from the favourite Golden State flushed out Rock Me Over, who grabbed the lead coming out of the back straight. Rock Me Over looked briefly to be in danger, but fought back in the home straigth to win by 1.5m in 2:00.4, with a last quarter of 27.8. The win took Rock Me Over to $58,880 from 3 wins and 4 places from only 9 starts.

The first of the prized 3C0 races for the season and there was a fair bit of pace into the first turn allowing 3yo filly Mileys Desire (by Real Desire out of Scenic Shazar by Scenic Jerlin) to grab the one out one back position in running after starting from barrier 11. Into the back straight the last time, Mileys Desire took off 3 wide and hit the front with 400m to go. Already with a race winning lead Mileys Desire went further away and won the AllwoodStud.com.au 3yo Fillies Pace by 9.4m in 1:58.6 over the 2130m, last quarter 28.8. An excellent run by this filly. This was her second lifetime win and with 7 places from only 15 starts and her stakes are now $11,389.

Bred and owned by P, S and W Lodding, Mileys Desire is the third winner from the very successful racemare Scenic Shazar (Scenic Jerlin) 1:58.6 18 wins $81,158. Scenic Shazar raced in NZ for 3 wins before being brought by the Loddings to race in WA.

OWNERS ONLY NIGHT AND $100,000 WESTBRED CLASSIC WINNERS

(30 June 17) It was the $100,000 Westbred Classics night sponsored by Owners Only, with 4 Group 1 events to showcase our local talent. The weather looked a bit chancy but the racing more than made up for it. In the end it was a fantastic display by some very talented 2 and 3yo WA bred horses in the four Classics, with two more winners on the night from the 3yo brigade.

The first of the Group 1s saw the fillies step out in the $100,000 2yo Fillies Westbred Classic.2yo Westsired filly Cott Beach (Advance Attack out of Back In The Black by Armbro Operative), who impressively won the $30,000 Westsired Classic the previous week, was the race favourite from 5 on the front. Off the barrier at release point, driver Nathan Turvey sped up and made his intentions to lead very clear. Cott Beach had the race lead before the field left the back straight and then slowed to a similar tempo to the previous week. Gradually increasing the speed in each quarter, Cott Beach started to pull away from the field coming out of the back straight. At about this time Rosies IDeal and Infinite Symbol, who were running second and third, locked wheels and lost ground. After untangling they set about chasing Cott Beach but she was well and truly home, winning in the end by 21m in 1:58.8. An outcome of the incident was that unfortunately for the owners of The War Nurse, who finished second in running, that filly was disqualified. It was a very good run from Rosies Ideal (American Ideal), who led the three wide line for the last lap, met interference in running and still finished third. Infinite Symbol (Indomitable Saab), who was also involved in the interference, ran a good race to finish second. The win took Cott Beach to $136,550 in stakes from 6 wins and 2 places, with a best mile rate as a 2yo of 1:54.9. Back In The Black 1:58.1, 7 wins 18 places and $58,780, the dam of Cott Beach, was bought by owners Peter King and Barbara Pellick in foal to Advance Attack and foaled Cott Beach. Back In The Black is a daughter of prolific winner Black And Blue (Northern Lights) 1:57.2 17 wins 21 places and $212,495 whose wins included the Daintys Daughter 3yo Fillies Classic, the State Sires Classic for 3yo fillies and the 4 and 5yo Championship. Black And Blue is a daughter of prolific broodmare Bonnie Blue Eyes (Golden Greek) 1:56.9,12 wins $87,565 who produced 8 winners in total including champion WA pacer No Blue Manna (Mystical Prince) 1:56.6 41 wins $628,157, Baby Blues (Safely Kept) 1:56.3 14 wins and $115,032, Levi Judd (D M Dilinger) 1:58.5 $71,142 and Big Blue Eyes (Red River Hanover).

A positive but sensible drive by trainer Justin Prentice produced the right result for very promising 2yo gelding Highroller Joe (Roll With Joe out of Illeagle by Northern Lights), with a comfortable 7.8m win in the $100,000 2yo Colts and Geldings Westbred Classic. Very impressive in the $100,000 Pearl Final, Highroller Joe started second favourite from outside the back line and moving forward from the barrier he settled one out two back. With a reasonable good lead time and the field running fairly evenly over the first two quarters, it wasnt until the 350 mark that a three wide line was formed and with 300m to go Highroller Joe set sail 4 wide. He hit the front by the 100m, and moved away over the the final stages to win by 7.8m in 1:58.6, with last quarters 28.6 and 29.5. Good runs behind him were Mister Spot (Village Jolt), who was clearly last with a lap to go and finished a brilliant second after weaving his way through the field. The only non winner in the race, Liam Neil (Modern Art) ran on to run third.

Bred and owned by Craig Lynn, Highroller Joe has won his second race from three starts and 75,550 in stakes. Illeagle (Northern Lights), the dam of Highroller Joe, was lightly raced with a lifetime best 1:57.6 as 3yo $16,184. She has two foals to date with Highroller Joe her first winner. Warner Glen Lass (W R H) 2:03 6 wins $23,289, the dam of Illeagle, also had only 2 foals for one winner. Warner Glen Lass is a half sister to one other winner and her granddam Opal Oro (Leyoro) is also the granddam of Princess Opal (Hey Maybe) 1:58.5 10 wins $106,660. This is not a prolific winning family, and not many fillies have been produced or bred from, but it still managed to produce the winner of a Group 1 race in a very classy performance. Who wouldnt want to be the owner!

Proving the quality of the fillies in the recent WASBA Country Oaks, 3yo Westsired filly Allamerican Queen (Allamerican Ingot out of Teen Queen Lombo by Northern Luck) was victorious in the $100,000 3yo Fillies Westbred Classic. Again it was trainer Justin Prentice choosing his drive wisely and Allamerican Queen stepped out quickly from 1 to take the race lead. A good lead time of 37 followed by even quarters set up the win, and although they were coming from everywhere in the last 50m, Allamerican Queen was a worthy winner by a head in a lifetime best of 1:58.7. It was an excellent run by second placed Milliondollahanova (Shadyshark Hanover), a $5,500 purchase at the 2015 WA Yearling Sale by trainer Michael Callegari. Somewheronlyiknow (Somebeachsomewhere), who was 4th in the Country Oaks, ran on well into third. Allamerican Queen now has 4 wins and 9 places for $111,489.

Bred and owned by Allwood Stud's Bob Fowler, Allamerican Queen is the first foal from lovely grey mare Teen Queen Lombo who only had 2 starts for 1 win in 1:57.1. Teen Queen Lombo is also the first foal from her dam Show Girl Lombo (Jet Laag) 2:01.5 8 wins $54,568 who produced one other winner in Well To Do Lombo (Saab) 1:55 17 wins $86,108. Show Girl Lombo is a full sister to the dam of Lombo Yanky Invada (Lombo Mandingo) 1:52.9 8 wins $59,557 and a half sister to Jolli Good Lombo (Perfect Art) 1:59.1 7 wins $35,880. Jolli Jeorja Lombo (Northern Lights), the dam of Show Girl Lombo, is a half sister to the dam of multiple Group winning mare Repelem (Dream Away) 1:52.9 41 wins and $266,346. Lombo Boucheron, the dam of Jolli Jeorja Lombo, is a full sister sister to Mazzini Magic (Windshield Wiper) 1:56 $367,140 and a half sister to Smooth Sensation (Smooth Fella) 2:00.9 $249,419. This is the family of Lordship, one of the greatest colonial sires ever produced, with Lordship being a full brother to the granddam of Lombo Boucheron.

Last but not least was the $100,000 3yo colts and geldings Classic, with WA Derby winner Handandwheels (Mach Three) starting favourite from barrier 3. He went out fast in the wet conditions and led into the straight the first time. The pace was on for the race, and with 3rd and 4th quarter in 28.7 and 28.9, Handsandwheels had to show his class to win the race. Itz Dynamo (Allamerican Ingot) ran a good race to finish second, closing in on the leader with Our Zak Whitby (Mach Three) running on to finish third. Bred by successful breeder Mike Howie, Handsandwheels has leapt up to $231,199 in stakes from 7 wins and 8 places, with his lifetime best mile rate of 1:56.9 set in this win.

Last but not least, and starting favourite from the prized barrier 1 even though he was the youngest horse in the race, 3yo gelding Kasey John (Bettors Delight out of Shes Our Angel by Classic Garry) stepped straight to the front and dictated the pace of the Owners Only Ambassador Dean Cox Westbred C1 to C4. Picking up the pace in the 3rd quarter in 28.2, he skipped away by a length on the home turn to win the race by 5.5m in the smart time and lifetime best of 1:57.5, last quarter 28.5. Bred by Steve Johnson, Kasey John now has 4 wins and just over $27,000 in stakes.

(23 June 17) It was a special night for our WA bred and sired horses, with the 2 and 3yo $30,000 Westsired Classics. Both races were won by very classy fillies who look more than capable of holding their own in any class. A 3yo filly won Heat 3 of the Lombardo, and the girls also took home the $35,000 Winter Cup. There were two other victories by our WA bred horses and both El Hombre and Soho Wall Street look to be able to win plenty more races.

Starting from the second row barrier 11 El Hombre (Badlands Hanover out of Appaloosa by OK Bye) got a nice run through to settle one out one back in the $20,500 Trotsynd Pace for M0 to M2 class. However, with outsider Aussie Delight going three wide to the breeze position, putting El Hombre one further back, Chris Lewis went forward three wide with El Hombre to take over the breeze position. Down the back El Hombre was tackling for the lead at the 400 after a 27.6 3rd quarter and entered the home straight a length in front. El Hombre went on to win by a half neck from Aussie Delight in 1:58.7, last quarter 28.2 (last half 55.8). The win was the 10th by El Hombre with 5 wins coming this season. As a 3yo El Hombre was successful in the $25,000 Battle of Bunbury in 1:56.1 and at Gloucester Park in 1:55.2 over 1730m. He has gone to another level this season and his stakes are now just under $95,000 ($50,000 this season) and the 4yo gelding looks to have plenty of talent.

It looked like a race in two and thats how they finished in the $30,000 2yo Westsired Classic. Brilliant 2yo filly Cott Beach (Advance Attack out of Back In The Black by Armbro Operative) went to the front from promising filly Infinite Symbol after a moderate start. With Infinite Symbol racing greenly throught the slow first quarter and The War Nurse in the breeze it was Cott Beach racing comfortably in front. Stepping up the pace in the third quarter and with a final quarter of 28.5 it was a comfortable win by 11.3m by Cott Beach in 2:00.2. Infinite Symbol and The War Nurse both ran good races to finish in the placings. All three should perform well in next weeks 2yo fillies Westbred Classic.

The win was a well deserved result for owners Barbara Pellick and Peter King who bought Back In The Black 1:58.1, 7 wins 18 places and $58,780, in foal to Advance Attack. Cott Beach was the resulting foal. This is a terrific family with Back In The Black being a daughter of prolific winner Black And Blue (Northern Lights) 1:57.2 17 wins 21 places and $212,495 whose wins included the Daintys Daughter 3yo Fillies Classic, the State Sires Classic for 3yo fillies and the 4 and 5yo Championship. She also won the 4yo Mares State Sires Series Final. Black And Blue is out of another prolific producer, the John Coffey's Victorian bred broodmare gem Bonnie Blue Eyes (Golden Greek) 1:56.9,12 wins $87,565 who produced 8 other winners including champion WA pacer No Blue Manna (Mystical Prince) 1:56.6 41 wins $628,157, Baby Blues (Safely Kept) 1:56.3 14 wins and $115,032, Levi Judd (D M Dilinger) 1:58.5 $71,142 and Big Blue Eyes (Red River Hanover). This is the same family as 2007 WA 2yo of the Year Priscilla Rocks (Courage Under Fire) 1:58.9 $115,710.

The winner of the 2yo leg of the Westsired Classic in 2016, Sarah Goody (Rich And Spoilt out of Forrest Interlude by Armbro Operative) stepped out from 2 as a short priced favourite in the $30,000 3yo Westsired Classic and went straight to the front, with second favourite Bob Wheel settling in the breeze. With a fairly solid lead time and 31 seconds for the next two quarters Sarah Goody looked comfortable in front. At the 400m she started to pull away and even though Itz Dynamo and Allamerican Queen finished well, Sarah Goody was very classy in wining by 9.4m. After a traumatic week it was a great result for trainer and part owner Kevin, and even more credit to Sarah Goody when you consider she was impeded by a broken hopple carrier during the race. Bred and owned by Kevin Keys, Ross Waddell and Rob Hall, the win was the 9th and with 6 places from only 23 starts her stakes are $118,820.

Sarah Goody has been super impressive this season with $93,500 in stakes. Sarah Goody is the 4th winner and last foal from her dam Forrest Interlude who had a successful race career with 6 wins and 9 places for $22,026. Forrest Interlude is also the dam of Secret Interlude (Panorama) 1:56.6 19 wins $230,348 in stakes and Nothingbutadream (Modern Art) 1:55.1 $54,218. Forrest Interlude is a half sister to 8 other winners including Co Co San (Crouch) 1:58.6 14 wins $90,991. Take Care (El Patron), the granddam of Forrest Interlude won over $300,000 in her career and was one of New Zealands best pacing mares in the early 80s.

Adding to an exciting night of racing was an outstanding win, and her second in a row in open company, by 5yo mare Tricky Styx (Jeremes Jet) who started from barrier 5, went straight to the front and beat The Bucket List and Run Oneover (the exact same result as her previous win) in the $35,000 Winter Cup. It was a great result for Northam stalwart Jesse Moore and followed a week of good luck for the Moore family and some of Northam's family of helpers. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Starting favourite from barrier 7, 4yo gelding Soho Wall Street (Four Starzzz Shark out of Vancelot Lady by Our Sir Vancelot) continued his terrific form with another solid win, this time in the Try Our New Winter Menu Westbred Pace for C5 to C9 class. With a slow lead time of 39, Soho Wall Street, who had settled third last initially, went around the field to sit in the breeze a half length ahead of the inside runner Johnny Disco before settling a half length behind. Firing up in the third quarter which was run a super 27.1, Johnny Disco got to a length in front before Soho Wall Street showed his strength and class and went on to win relatively easily by 2.8m in 1:57.3. The win was his 14th and second in a row and 5th from 8 starts, and took his stakes to $159,292.

Bred by Mike Howie who is having an excellent year, Soho Wall Street is the second winner from Vancelot Lady 2:00.6 who won 4 races and $40,768 in stakes. Her unraced dam Homecoming (Talk About Class) produced 3 other winners and is a full sister to Impressionist 1:57.9 23 wins and $427,005 in stakes. The family has produced other good WA winners in Arousing (Western Terror) 1:56.6 11 wins $119,663, Loving You (Art Major) 1:55.7 10 wins $97,229, and Pelusiac (Washington VC) 1:53.3 11 wins $97,061. Of course Vancelot Lady is by dual WA Pacing Cup winner and dual Inter Dominion winner Our Sir Vancelot, who is also the broodmare sire of Multiple Group 1 winner Messini (Art Major) 1:54.8 23 wins $586,859.

ANOTHER FIVE WINNERS AND THE GIRLS DO WELL!

(16 June 17) Another excellent night of racing with the girls doing well in 3 events (winning the 2yo fillies, the 3yo fillies, and a Heat of the Lombardo)

What a nice result in the $18,000 Quayside Transport 2YO Fillies Pace with very promising Westsired filly Infinite Symbol (Indomitable Saab out of Never Waver Lombo by Astreos) showing some real class to win by a half head from another Westsired filly in The War Nurse, with favourite Miss Sangrial in third. Infinite Symbol started from 6 and settled one out one back after initially breezing in a fairly fast lead time. Going into the back straight the last time, Infinite Symbol took off in front of Miss Sangrial to lead the 3 wide line in a very fast forward move. At the 400 she was challenging the leader The War Nurse, who was fighting back with the advantage of the inside running and some greenness from Infinite Symbol. At the finish it was a top effort from both fillies, with the mile rate 1:56.7 and last quarter in 28.4. For the win Infinite Symbol pocketed $11,800 in stakes and $8,500 in Westbred Bonus through the double win bonus for Westsired progeny. Excluding Bonuses, her stakes to date from 3 wins and 3 places is $21,090. Add to that her Westbred Bonus money of over $22,000 (including first win connections bonus) and another $4500 to her breeder Lancaster Lodge.

Infinite Symbol is the first foal from the good race mare Never Waver Lombo (Astreos) 1:57.1 11 wins $109,662. She in turn is out of another good race mare in Nevabend Lombo (Troublemaker) 1:57.8 8 wins $119,640 whose wins included the WA Oaks. This family stems from WA raced mare Burrows (Tarport Boy) 1:57.1 $113,844 who was one of the first 100 horses in Australia to run under 2:00 and whose wins included the Empress Stakes and the WASBA Breeders Stakes.

You have to go fast to win M0s these days and 4yo gelding Abraxas Blues (Santanna Blue Chip out of Apache Kitten by Badlands Hanover) certainly did that to win the $18,000 Cash Converters Pace over the 2130m. Abraxas Blue was well driven from 3, going forward out of the barrier and taking a sit behind the race leader. Getting clear coming out of the back straight the last time Abraxas Blue skipped around the leading pair and running three wide down the straight he raced up and hit the front to win by 3.6m in 1:55.7.

Abraxax Blue has had a limited career to date of only 21 starts but he has now won 6 times with 8 places and a best mile rate of 1:55. This was his third successive win, with 5 wins and 2 places from 8 starts this season after starting his racing career in March 2016. His total stakes are now just under $40,000.

Abraxas Blue is the first foal from the now deceased Apache Kitten who had a very short racing career of two starts - 2nd in a heat of the Diamond and 5th in the 2009 final. Her dam Silk Lining is an unraced In The Pocket mare who is a half sister to Badlands Chief (Badlands Hanover) 1:59.6 14 wins $73,310 in stakes.

Coming back to racing after a short break, 5yo gelding Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet out of Spicks And Specks by Golden Greek) was just too good for them in the $18,000 Homestyle Salad Makers Discretionary Stand for M0 and better over 2503m. Settling one out and two back after starting from the 10m line, the race turned into a sprint with the last three quarters all under 29 seconds. Tommy Be Good moved out three wide entering the back straight the last time and showed some strength to be tackling the leader coming into the straight for the run to the finish. Tommy Be Good likes the stands and runs well fresh and demonstrated both of these characteritics in this race, winning by a neck in 1:59.8 with the last three quarters in 28.9, 28.4 and 28.1. The win took his stakes to just over $94,000 from 12 wins and 11 places.

Bred by Patrician Park,Tommy Be Good is the 4th and last foal and third winner from Spicks And Specks (Golden Greek) 2:00.9 5 wins $25,311. Spicks And Specks is also the granddam of Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire) 1:56.8 19 wins $91,086 and she is a half sister to Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199 and Turkish (Village Jasper) 1:59 12 wins $131,303. Her dam, the unraced Breathtaking (Classic Garry), is a half sister to WA champion Shattering Class (Golden Greek) 62 wins $810,302.

Another top win in the $21,000 Gloucester Motel and Restaurant Pace for M1 to M3 over 2130m stamped 4yo gelding Soho Wall Street (Four Starzzz Shark out of Vancelot Lady by Our Sir Vancelot) as a future contender of major races. Starting favourite from barrier 8, Soho Wall Street was restrained out of the barrier and settled second last with some speed up the front and a first quarter of 28.1. Catching up to the field and with a 1000m to go Soho Wall Street followed the three wide line and in the back straight was let go and sizzled to be third and going forward with 400 to go. In a very close finish Soho Wall Street prevailed in a hard fought finish to win by a neck in a lifetime best of 1:55.9. Soho Wall Street is just shy of $154,000 after 13 wins and 23 places. Bred by Mike Howie, Soho Wall Street has won close to $82,000 this season.

Showing that the punters knew what they were doing, and with junior driver Michael Grantham on board and in excellent form, 7yo gelding Mako Shadow (Four Starzzz Shark out of Poppy Jasper by Village Jasper) stepped off as favourite from barrier 9 and didnt let his supporters down. Mako Shadow settled second last in a slow lead time, with a slow first quarter as well Grantham decided to move forward three wide with 1200 to go. Under a fairly tight rein he made ground steadily and with 600 to go he was 4th but still three wide. At the turn out of the back straight he hit the lead, and in a big effort after being wide so long he just held off the late challenges in the run home to win the Elan Energy Matrix Westbred Pace for C1 to C4 by a half neck in 2:00.4. Bred by M and D Schofield and J Boley, Mako Shadow has now won a very credible $82,000 from 12 wins and 16 places, best mile rate 1:56.

Mako Shadow is the first foal from race winning mare Poppy Jasper, whose dam Provocation (Hilarion) was also a race winner. The maternal family of Mako Shadow is the great broodmare Tactics (Light Brigade). This family has numerous top class winners and is still prominent with the likes of One Dream (Dream Away) 1:56.7 18 wins $846,467, Some Kinda Tactics (Dream Away) 1:53.3 37 wins $257,303 and Tact Hayleys Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:52.2 16 wins $298,496 stakes.

SUPER RUNS IN THE PEARL

(9 June 17) On another special night, this time the $100,000 Colts and Geldings Pearl Classic, there some other excellent results from some of the girls. There was also the winning return to racing of Chicago Bull.

6yo mare Artistic Lilly (Artistic Fella out of Phar From Over by Armbro Operative) stepped back into the winners list with an excellent win in Heat 1 of the Lombardo Fillies and Mares for the M0 class girls. Never waste a barrier 1 draw, especially when the punters have made you favourite, and Artistic Lilly, with owner Shannon Suvaljko on board, certainly didnt. Artistic Lily looked strong coming out of the barrier and held her advantage to take the leader's role. There were a few changes in the breeze position but none that looked dangerous and Artistic Lilly went to the line quite comfortably in the end, winning by 3.1m in 1:58.8, last quarter 28.2. Artistic Lilly has now won 8 times and has 15 places and career stakes just under $55,000, with over $40,000 earnt this season.

Bred by Shelley Burton, Artistic Lilly is out of the unraced Phar From Over who is a half sister to Phar From A Fake (Fake Left) 1:59.5 27 wins $170,716 and Gee Whiz Fizz (Fake Left) 1:56.4 35 wins $408,496. Their dam Raca Pacer (Classic Garry) 2:02.3 $58,327 was a good race mare who won 11 races including the Race For Roses. Raca Pacer is out of another good race mare in Beats A Bottle (Judge Hanover) 1:58.2 $43,954. Tactile Magic 2:01.3 $35,422, the full sister of Beats A Bottle, is the granddam of All About Pink (Yankee Sensation) 1:54.5 9 wins $85,140.

A terrific race by Tricky Styx (Jeremes Jet out of Pocket Rain by In The Pocket) to win the open M0 and better 2536m Princi Smallgoods Capretto Pace. Starting from barrier 1 she took the sit behind Run Oneover, which was the race winning move. With Run Oneover over racing, the first and second quarters were 28.3 and 27.8. At the 400m Tricky Styx moved up to tackle Run Oneover and in a solid finish, Tricky Styx ran a super race to win by 1.5m from The Bucket List with a tiring Run Oneover finishing 10.7m behind in third. Lets hope Tricky stays in WA when she retires!

Tricky Styx is by the Western Hanover sire Jeremes Jet 1:47 $1,519,321 out of the Sportsmaster (by Abercrombie) mare in Ohyouprettything who was herself the winner of 35 races and over $1.2 million in stakes. Voted 2-year-old Champion of his year in both the U.S. and Canada, Jeremes Jet has excellent breeding and racing credentials and has done very well at stud without being able to get a foothold in the southern hemisphere with the dominance of Bettors Delight and Art Major. With so many mares served by these two stallions this is the fate of many quality stallions to have come to Australia and New Zealand over recent years.

It was a scintillating performance by Jack Mac (Mach Three out of Matavutu by New York Motoring), who raced in the breeze most of the way before outclassing the field in the $100,000 Princi Smallgoods Pearl Classic to win by 10.4m from a game Rock Me Over with another 15m to third. It was an exceptional run by the winner (last quarters 27.8 and 28.5 with a mile rate of 1:55.9, but for those looking to the future it was a terrific run by third placed Highroller Joe (Roll With Joe out of Illeagle by Northern Lights) who was last more than 30m off the leaders with a lap to go before starting a run in the back straight. Super impressive.

Jack Mac was bred by Alabar NZ and was bought by prominent breeder Barry Howlett in the annual NZ weanling sale. He is still a colt so perhaps that augers well for the future.!

It was a nice return to the winners list for 4yo mare Mary Catherine (Art Major out of Easy Riter by Getting It Right) in the $21,000 Princi Smallgoods Mares Pace for M0 to M3 mares. Mary Catherine started from 2 and was well regarded in the betting for the 2536m mobile, quite a long race for the girls. Going straight to the front she set a fairly solid pace throughout. The runs started to come in the back straight the last time and coming out of the back straight it was 5 across the track. Although tiring slightly, she held up to win by 2m in an excellent mile rate of 1:57.9. The win took her to just over $117,000 from 10 wins and 13 places.

Mary Catherine has always shown talent so it was a good result for owner Robert Sheehy who bred her with M Pumfrey. Mary Catherine is the only winner from her dam Easy Riter 1:57.8 5 wins $39,252. Her half sister Stella Pearl (Live Or Die) is the dam of Michael Joseph (Bettors Delight) 1:56.2 $39,139. Easy Riter is one of two winners from her dam Easy Girl (Romeo Hanover) who is a granddaughter of one of Dr Tom Early's broodmare gems in Star Song (Grattan Loyal). Among the progeny of Star Song was Papagena (King Oro), the dam of 10 winners from 16 foals and one of WAs best maternal families from the 60s and 70s. Members of this family include Centrefold Angel (Legacy Of Power) 1:55.2 14 wins $237,348, Formyeyesonly (Pacific Fella) 1:54.3 12 wins $91,774, Bettor Twisted (Bettors Delight) 1:56.9 $60,415 and multiple other winners.

DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND

(2 June 17) On a sparkling night of racing featuring the 2yo fillies $100,000 Diamond Classic, there was some more happy WA breeders taking home first prize.

First for the night was the Bob Fowler bred and owned 4yo gelding El Hombre (Badlands Hanover out of Appaloosa by OK Bye) who started from 5 on the front and breezed for the race before sizzling over the final quarters in 27.6 and 27.9 to win the 2130m Tabtouch C5 to C9 Pace. The winning margin was a neck in an excellent mile rate of 1:56.2 and brought up the 9th win and almost $81,000 for his career.

El Hombre comes from a very good female line with his dam Appaloosa producing 5 other winners including Eurodollar (Million To One) 1:56.6 10 win $94,336 and Parsonemby (Parsons Den) 1:56.3 $200,902. Appaloosa is a daughter of US mare Aspiration (Sonsam) who is a half sister to the dam of Sokys Legend (Sokys Atom) who in turn is the dam of London Legend (In The Pocket ) 1:57.2 14 wins $290,778 and Bit Of A Legend (Bettors Delight) 1:51 33 wins $1,449,897.

Next for the night was the super win by 2yo filly Cimorene (Sportswriter out of Ultimate Package by Northern Luck). With the short priced favourite Miss Sangrial starting from 1, Cimorene started at the very good odds of 27/1 from barrier 2. Having won her heat 10 days earlier these were very generous odds. Miss Sangrial duly went straight to the front from the barrier, but was tackled most of the way by Tenniele Erin who was over racing. Cimorene settled one out 2 back and at the 400m moved three wide and was making good ground. With Miss Sangrial having being pressured most of the race it was a top effort from her but also from Cimorene who battled all the way down the straight and won by the narrowest of margins. The win was the second for Cimorene and apart from now being a Group 1 winner, took her stakes to $71,750.

Starting favourite after some recent good form, 6yo gelding Keeper Of Keys (Grinfromeartoear out of Shes Our Angel by Classic Garry) lept straight to the front from barrier 3 and held his ground to win the Westside Auto Wholesale Westbred Pace for C1 to C4 class. Setting good times over the last three quarters Keeper Of Keys withstood a solid challenge over the last 300m to win by 1.6m in a good mile rate of 1:57.7. The win was his 6th and took his stakes to a little over $44,000.

Keeper Of Keys was bred by prominent breeder Steve Johnson and showed early promise as a 3yo, coming 4th in the 2014 3yo $100,000 Westbred Classic before injury problems curtailed his career. His recent form is good with 2 wins and 4 places since March this year. Keeper Of Keys is one of 10 winners from his dam Shes Our Angel 2:03.6 $14,326. The impressive lineup includes Sky Tower (Panorama) 1:58.5 36 wins $241,236, Jasmin Amali (Sportswriter) 1:55 5 wins $73,400, Nightn Georgia (Safely Kept) 2:00.4 $116,605 (dam of Rocknrolla 1:57.1 12 wins $287,351 by Grinfromeartoear), and Shes Elegant (Safely Kept) the dam of Tightrope (Art Major)1:53.6 19 wins $168,170.

The final race of the night, the $18,000 3yo Fillies Pace went to the in-form Sarah Goody (Rich And Spoilt out of Forrest Interlude by Armbro Operative). Sarah Goody has been in excellent form this season with 6 wins and 4 places from only 13 starts. She is raced by her breeders Ross Waddell, Kevin Keys and Rob Hall. She went straight to the front from her barrier 3 over the 1730m journey and won in a very impressive mile rate of 1:54.3, with a stunning first quarter of 27.9. Sarah Goody was pressured for much of the way by Angel Bromac with Angel Bromac heading her at times. She was the first one beaten coming into the turn and Sarah Goody shot away coming up to the turn out of the back straight and went on to win by 7.2m with last quarters 28.9 and 28.1. Sarah Goody, the winner of the 2016 2yo WestSired Fillies Classic, was very impressive in running second in the $150,000 WA Oaks in May and has continued her good form, looking a top chance for the 3yo WestSired and Westbred Fillies Classics later in the month. The win took her stakes to just under $99,000 from 8 wins and 6 places.

Sarah Goody is the 4th winner and last foal from her dam Forrest Interlude 1:58.6 6 wins $22,026 who has also produced Secret Interlude (Panorama) 1:56.6 19 wins and $230,348 and Nothingbutadream (Modern Art) 1:55.1 $54,218. Forrest Interlude is a half sister to 8 other winners including Co Co San (Crouch) 1:58.6 $90,991. Take Care (El Patron), the granddam of Forrest Interlude won over $300,000 in her career and was one of New Zealands best pacing mares in the early 80s.

THEY SHOULD HAVE LOOKED AT HIS FORM

(26 May 17) Some very nice efforts on the night, with punters being very successful with 2 out of 3 but missing a good bet on our first WA bred winner on the night.

Owned and bred by Oz-West Pacing, 4yo gelding Natural Disaster (Shadow Play out of Lucrative Kate by Armbro Operative) has been in good form lately so his win in the $20,500 Book Your Next Conference at Gloucester Park Pace for M0 to M2 class was not much of a surprise for his followers. Starting AT 6/1 from 5 on the front, he was restrained out of the barrier and settled 3 back in the moving line. With some good form in front of him, he stayed in that position until entering the back straight the last time where he moved out to follow the three wide leader. Four wide coming out of the back straight he was within striking distance and was in the lead at the 50m, powering away to win by 5.5m in a very fast 1:55.6, last quarters 28 and 28.2. The win was his second consecutive and 4th from 5 starts. Overall it was his 8th and with 7 places his stakes are now just over $93,000.

Another WA bred horse at the top of his game and its 4yo gelding Soho Wall Street (Four Starzzz Shark out of Vancelot Lady by Our Sir Vancelot), winning the $23,000 Follow Gloucester Park on Facebook M2 to M4 Pace by an impressive 8.5m. Starting favourite from 2 he went straight to the front. Leading as he liked and with a comfortable lead time and first and second quarters it was going to be a sprint home. Streaking home in 27.6 and 28 flat he was not extended to win. It was his 3rd win from 4 starts and 12th win overall, bringing his stakes to $135,207. He has developed into a tough horse and it wouldnt surprise to see him entered for the Inters!.

If there is one horse that everyone expects to have a chance in a mile race, its the 6yo mare All About Pink (Yankee Sensation out of Perform Some Magic by Northern Lights). When she gets barrier 1 as well, it's no wonder she started favourite. Bred and owned by Kevin and Annette Charles, All About Pink held the lead despite a decent early challenge. With her tail flying behind, she looked good out the front and that's where she stayed, winning by 2.3m unextended in 1:57.2. The win was the 9th for this WA bred and sired mare, and with 18 places she has won $85,140 in stakes and a lifetime best of 1:54.5.

Her dam Perform Some Magic 1:59.3 won 8 races and $36,708 in stakes and is a half sister to two winners. All the dams in her female line have raced and won. Tactile Magic (Judge Hanover) 2:01.3 $35,422 the dam of Perform Some Magic is a full sister to Beats A Bottle 1:58.2 8 wins $43,954 who is the dam of Raca Pacer (Classic Garry) 2:02.3 11 wins $58,327. Raca Pacer is the dam of Phar From A Fake (Fake Left) 1:59.5 27 wins $170,716 and Gee Whiz Fizz (Fake Left) 1:56.4 35 wins $408,496 and non winner Phar From Over (Armbro Operative) the dam of Artistic Lilly (Artistic Fella) 7 wins $44,969 in stakes. Not a bad family to have!.

GREAT RESULTS ON WASBA BREEDERS STAKES NIGHT

(19 May 17) The weather wasnt the best but that didnt stop a terrific night of racing, highlighted by a WA bred mare winning the $40,000 2017 WASBA Breeders Stakes. WASBA had great support from our sponsors on the night - Australian Pacing Gold (APG), Allwood Stud Farm, Budget Stockfeeds, Fresh Express, Landmark Midvale, Larkhill Vets, Milne Feeds, Ramsays Horse Transport and Vision Produce. Of course, the night wouldnt be possible without the support of Gloucester Park Harness Racing. Let's see which of our Westbreds won on the night!

It took a few races, but our first winner was a pretty good one, in race 5 over 2130m. 4yo gelding Soho Wall Street (Four Starzzz Shark out of Vancelot Lady by Our Sir Vancelot) started at the very surprising odds of 18/1 after running a super race 3 wide the previous week and winning the week prior to that. Stepping out from 2 on the back line and with the favourite getting the lead easily from barrier 1, Soho Wall Street settled one out two back. However, with two laps to go he moved out 3 wide to go forward and take the breeze position a length from the leader. With about 300 to go Soho Wall Street moved up to tackle the favourite and dispensed with him pretty easily, taking a length lead coming into the home straight. He was well clear at the 50m and went on to win the $21,500 Ramsays Horse Transport M1 to M3 by 7.2m in 1:56.7, last two qtrs 28.1. He now has 11 wins, 22 places and just over $120,000 in stakes.

Bred by Mike Howie, Soho Wall Street is the second winner from Vancelot Lady 2:00.6 who won 4 races and $40,768 in stakes. Her unraced dam Homecoming (Talk About Class) produced 3 other winners and is a full sister to Impressionist 1:57.9 23 wins and $427,005 in stakes. The family has also produced WA winners Arousing (Western Terror) 1:56.6 11 wins $119,663, Loving You (Art Major) 1:55.7 10 wins $97,229, and Pelusiac (Washington VC) 1:53.3 11 wins $97,061.

The winners kept coming, as did the rain, with everyone's favourite Heez On Fire (Courage Under Fire out of Artists Impression by Perfect Art) stepping out from 6 on the front in the $23,000 Landmark Midvale M0 and better Pace over 2130m. As is his usual style, Heez On Fire settled second last in a very wet affair. At the 500m he started to move forward, making a lot of ground on the leaders but coming out of the back straight the last time, the 7yo gelding was still giving the leader and favourite about 20m start. Coming around the bend 5 wide, he was closing in and flew down the outside over the last 50m to win by 1m. Another great result fro Heez On Fire and Bill Horn. The win was his third in succession and 19th overall, with lifetime stakes of $272,535.

It was a top class race in the blue ribbon event, the $40,000 WASBA Breeders Stakes, with favourite Tricky Styx having run a super trial on the Sunday. Tricky Styx went to the front from barrier 2 and with rain falling, 4yo mare Sheer Rocknroll (Rocknroll Hanover out of Sheer Royalty by Parsons Den), at 6/1 and in hot form, stepped off nicely from inside the back row and settled mid field in the moving line. The rain got heavier and 4yo mare Dodolicious went around to take the breeze. With 1000m to go, Sheer Rocknroll moved out to head the three wide line and started to roll forward towards the leaders. At the 400m she was running on strongly and heading out of the back straight she was closing in on Tricky Styx who was still leading but on a loose rein. Looking the winner, Sheer Rocknroll slowed towards the finish but still won by 2.4m in 1:57.2, an excellent mile rate in the wet conditions. The win was her 3rd consecutive and 22nd for her career, with 10 places and $276,432 in stakes.

Bred by Bob Fowler of Allwood Stud Farm, Sheer Rocknroll is one of two winners from her Group 1 winning dam and WA Oaks winner Sheer Royalty 1:55.7 $248,904, who is a sister to 4 other winners including full brother Zacs Nugget 1:55.9 16 wins for $144,900. Orange Pip (Orange Sovereign) 2:00.8 $34,456, the dam of Sheer Royalty, was one of five winners from her winning dam Richfield Lady (Racy Prince) 2:00.2 $21.486.

In his favourite event, the stand over 2503m, 6yo gelding Importer Exporter (Artesian out of Kelcie Sophia by Totally Western) was an easy winner of the $19,000 Larkhill Vets Stand by 4.1m in 2:02.6, last quarters very good at 28.9 and 28.6. Jumping cleanly and going straight to the front, Importer Exporter was easily the most likely winner from there forward. With the rain holding off but the mud flying, a few moves behind him didnt change the race outlook much, with Importer Exporter looking very comfortable in the lead. Getting tackled for the lead in the back straight, Importer Exporter was still fighting but the outside horse looked to have his measure. Not to be outdone, Importer Exporter fought back on the inside and coming into the home straight he kicked away. In the end he looked very comfortable in winning. His lifetime stakes are now a very tidy $83,769 from 9 wins and 13 places.

Bred by Chris Winston, Importer Exporter is the only foal from non winning Kelcie Sophia who Chris had leased for the breeding season. Her dam Sassy Georgia (Mattgilla Gorilla) has produced four winners including Powerful Tycoon (Powerful Toy) 11 wins $53,791, Kathleen Betty (Kenneth J) 1:57.2 $43,843 and current 2yo The War Nurse (Advance Attack) 1:57.9 2 wins $10,000.

Starting from barrier 1 was always going to be a plus for 4yo gelding Star Armbro (Armbro Operative out of Kin Of Queens by Kinney Hanover) and he duly started favourite in the Fresh Express Westbred Pace for the C1 to C4 class. Going to the lead out of the barrier, the slow conditions meant a more measured rate and Star Armbro controlled the pace from the front. With even first and second quarters, the third quarter was 29.2 and moves were starting with the challengers 4 deep. Shifting out in the home straight, Star Armbro held the field at bay and went on to win by 2.1m in 2:00.2. The win took Star Armbro to $33,194 from 5 wins and 8 places

Bred and part owned by David Bushell, Star Armbro is the first winner from his dam Kin Of Queens, who is out of the good racemare and broodmare Queen Delilah (Orange Sovereign) 2:01.1 10 wins $66,421. Queen Delilah has produced 5 winners including Jumbo Operator (Armbro Operative) 1:57 24 wins and $313,175, Getaway Plan (Parsons Den) 1:58 4 wins $135,549 and 3yo filly Aqueensomewhere (Somebeachsomewhere) 1:57.3 $19,106. Queen Delilah is out of Dainty Delilah (Rock Butler) 1:57.6 who is out of a half sister to Hall of Fame champion mare Daintys Daughter.

STARS OF THE FUTURE

(12 May 17) Some great racing on the night including up and coming 2yos Miss Sangrial (Art Major) and Jack Mac (Mach Three) winning their respective divisions of the $19,999 Western Crown. Remembering that all 2 and 3yo races under $20,000 are supplemented by the Westbred Bonus which makes them the equivalent of around a $25,000 race for Westbred placegetters. Also worth noting is that the dam of Miss Sangrial (Christisimo) is a half sister to the dam of Ohokas Bondy (Bettors Delight) 1:53.6 22 wins $388,148 Dancing Diamonds (Bettors Delight) 1:57.8 9 wins $343,276. Jack Mac was purchased as a weanling in NZ by prominent WA breeder Barry Howlett.

There were also three good wins by our WA bred horses.

With a new ownership team and new trainer Debra Lewis this year, it was a top effort by the former winner of the 2016 Westsired colts and geldings Classic to take out Princi Butchers Heat 2 of the Pure Steel. Starting from 5 on the front, 4yo gelding Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot out of Bootscootngirl by Parsons Den) went forward out of the barrier and after being caught wide, took the right option to go forward again and sit in the breeze. With a 37.6 first quarter it was a solid pace from there on with a second quarter of 28.9 and third quarter in 28.2. The favourite was in the lead and the second favourite, who had been sitting one-one moved out three wide to tackle the leaders and at the 100m it was three across the track. After doing all the work Americanbootscoota fought back to win by 1.9m in an extremely good 1:55.5 for the M0 pacers. The time is just shy of his best mile rate of 1:55.2 set last season.

Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd and originally a $10,000 purchase at the 2014 WA Yearling Sale, Americanbootscoota has been a good performer and now has 9 wins, 9 places and $93,939 in stakes. His unraced dam Bootscootngirl has produced 3 winners from her first three foals and is a half sister to 6 winners including top class Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425 and Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight) 1:55.6 11 wins and $76,743.

Running a good race the previous week to finish 3rd to Soho Wall Street, Out Back Joe (Northern Luck out of Marilyn Muffett by Armbro Operative) went even better with a win against the same horse in the $20,000 Sullys Painting Pace for M0 to M2 class over the shorter 1730m. Bred and owned by Clive Stevens and now trained by Peter Anderson, the 7yo gelding started from 7 on the front and was restrained out of the barrier and settled second last. Following the three wide move of Soho Wall Street and with a third quarter of 27.8, Out Back Joe was four wide at the 400 and finishing strongly. At the 100 he grabbed the lead from new leader Soho Wall Street and went on to win by 2.9m in a lifetime best mile rate of 1:55.4. He has now won over $75,000 from his 10 wins.

After a super win the previous week in an M0, 5yo entire Military Master (Bettors Delight out of Mabel Fox by Million To One) controlled the race and won the C5 to C9 Westralian Westbred Pace comfortably. Military Master appeared to coast to the lead from 3 and always looked dominant even though the breeze horse kept him honest for most of the race. He won by 3.8m, covering the 2130m race in a 1:57.5 mile rate with last quarters 28.6 and 27.2 making it very difficult for anyone to challenge. The win was his 3rd consecutive win and 9th overall, and with 10 places his stakes are a handy $75,776.

(5 May 17) A night for the girls, including the $35,000 Race For Roses for the older girls over the stand journey. Three girls won on the night, and there were four other WA bred winners.

The night started well for our WA bred horses with a win in the C5 to C9 Gannons.com.au Pace over 2130m. 4yo gelding El Hombre (Badlands Hanover out of Appaloosa by OK Bye) started from 2 and in a solid lead time crossed to take the race lead. Slowing the field for the second quarter before stepping up the pace, El Hombre sprinted hard in the third quarter to run 27.9 and gain a 3 length advantage. With a solid last qtr of 28.2 but with the favourite flashing home from 2 back on the fence, it was it was a victory by the smallest of margins in the end with El Hombre looking like he had lost it on the line but winning by a nose. The mile rate, all set by El Hombre, was a super 1:55.3 and the win was his second in three weeks, taking him to 8 wins and 10 places for $70,872.

Bred and owned by Bob Fowler, El Hombre is out of the NZ mare Appaloosa who has produced 5 other winners including Eurodollar (Million To One) 1:56.6 10 win $94,336 and Parsonemby (Parsons Den) 1:56.3 $200,902. Appaloosa is a daughter of US mare Aspiration (Sonsam) who is a half sister to Shebatross (Niatross) the dam of the unraced Sokys Legend (Sokys Atom) who in turn is the dam of London Legend (In The Pocket ) 1:57.2 14 wins $290,778 and NZ and now US horse Bit Of A Legend (Bettors Delight) 1:51 33 wins $1,449,897.

The good night continued, especially for Bob Fowler, with 5yo entire Military Master (Bettors Delight out of Mabel Fox by Million To One) just too classy for the field in the $18,000 Gannons Harness Colours Pace for M0 class. The lead time was very fast at 35.4 and from the back line the favourite Military Master settled one out two back without having to use any fuel. With the pace slowing a little and the breeze horse looking for cover, Military Master left his position to take up the lead in the breeze. At the 600 Military Master had zoomed up and raced past the leader and had lengths on the field coming out of the back straight. In the run to the line he increased his lead and went on to win by 22.3m in a super 1:55.6, his lifetime best. This was his 2nd consecutive win and 8th overall, with stakes just over $70,000.

Owned and bred by Allwood Stud Farm, Military Master is the first winner from the very lightly raced (one start) Mabel Fox. Mabel Fox is a granddaughter of dual Australian Broodmare of the Year Summer Honey (Romeo Hanover) who produced 8 winners including Golden Nugget winner Flashing Star (Northern Lights) 1:56.8 23 wins $352,888, WA Pacing Cup winner Hilarion Star (Hilarion) 1:56.2 26 wins $398,394, WASBA Breeders Stakes and Empress Stakes winner Sassie Brassie (Hilarion) 1:57.4 17 wins $88,985. Sassie Brassie producing 9 winners including listed and group winner Faking It (Fake Left) 1:56.9 17 wins $174,744. Good to see such a brilliant family coming back with a top runner.

Keeping up the military association (he won the Memorial Day Stakes at his last start), it was a brilliant run by 7yo Heez On Fire (Courage Under Fire out of Artists Impression by Perfect Art) again to grab the $23,000 Gannons Flags & Banners Pace for M0 and better. Starting from 7 on the front, Heez On Fire was cleverly driven by Aldo Cortopassi to settle 3rd last in the moving line. With some action in the first 1000m, Heez On Fire followed a move into the 3 wide line and with 400 to go was third last and three wide. Going five wide on the turn out of the back straight and still plenty of ground to make up, Heez On Fire started to steam down the outside and absolutely sizzled past the race leader to win by the narrowest of margins. With official last quarters of 28.4 and 27.6 belying how fast he actually went, Heez On Fire's mile rate was 1:56.6 for the journey. From only 41 starts Heez On Fire has 18 wins and 7 places, with over $257,000 in stakes.

Bred by Total Strategy Pty Ltd and leased by Bill Horn this is a wonderful result for a talented 7yo whose wins include the 2012 2yo Westbred Classic, the $25,000 2014 The Kersley and $50,000 San Simeon.

Rounding out a fantastic night for owner breeder Bob Fowler, 4yo mare Sheer Rocknroll (Rocknroll Hanover out of Sheer Royalty by Parsons Den) was a brilliant winner of the $35,000 Race For Roses from the stand over 2503m. Starting as the sole runner from the 30m line, Sheer Rocknroll stepped away well. As the field sorted themselves out, Sheer Rocknroll was busily making up ground and coming out of the back straight the first time, she moved three wide and proceeded to move up to take the breeze. With 1000 to go Dodolicious, Sheer Rocknroll's arch rival from her 2yo and 3yo days moved up three wide. At the 400 it was between the three leaders as they moved away from the rest of the field. Into the home straight Sheer Rocknroll was too strong and brilliantly won the Race For Roses by 4.4m, running 2:00.2 for the 2503m stand. Racing in tremendous form it was her 21st win and her stakes at $249,682 have justed pipped those of her dam Sheer Royalty, who won $248,904.

On a night for the girls it was a terrific and dominating win by NZ filly Maczaffair (Mach Three out of Presidential Affair by Presidential Ball), winning the $150,000 Gannons WA Oaks by 6.5m in 1:56.9 over the 2536m. The race was run at a very solid pace with Maczaffair stepping out from barrier 1 and not giving anyone a breather. Second placed Sarah Goody (Rich And Spoilt), who was the 2016 $25,000 3yo fillies Westsired winner, Came from last in the two wide line and made up an enormous amount of ground to round up every filly except the winner.

Presidential Ball, the sire of the dam of Maczaffair, is also the broodmare sire of My Hard Copy 1:51.6 $988,942, Run Oneover 1:52.5 $408,633 and Reuben Brogden 1:50.6 $348,214. Maczaffair was bred by Alabar NZ.

The night is sponsored by Gannons with Valerie Gannon rugging the race winner and presenting the fantastic crystal trophy. Valerie is a fantastic sponsor who is prepared to participate whereever needed, and was on hand to present the Pony Trots trophy as well.

The last race of the night was the Gannons Supporting WA Harness Westbred for C1 to C4 and a very talented Westbred was successful.

Starting favourite from 6, 4yo gelding Soho Wall Street (Four Starzzz Shark out of Vancelot Lady by Our Sir Vancelot) was restrained slightly out of the barrier and settled 3 back on the moving line. With a slow lead time of 39.3 he was taken forward by reinsman Gary Hall Jnr and went to the breeze. The pace quickened and in the back straight Soho Wall Street strode to the front with a 28.3 third quarter. Soho Wall Street was 5m clear coming out of the back straight and dashed away, winning untouched by 13.8m. Bred by Mike Howie, Soho Wall Street has now won 10 races and with 21 places his stakes are $102,237.

Vancelot Lady, the dam of Soho Wall Street, won over $40,000 in stakes and is out of the unraced Homecoming (Talk About Class) who is a full sister to Impressionist 1:57.9 23 wins and $427,005 in stakes.

WASBA IN THE COUNTRY - COUNTRY OAKS AND KING-LETHBRIDGE MEMORIAL

(22 and 24 April 2017) A special thanks to Mike, Julie and the Bunbury Trotting Club for supporting WASBA with the running of the $19,999 WASBA Country Oaks. Once again the WASBA Country Oaks was a small but quality field, with the winner of this event excluded from the ballot of the WA Oaks. This year’s winner is another filly with a very bright future, and she is West Sired as well, which means owner breeder Bob Fowler of Allwood Stud, took home over $21,000 for the win in a $19,999 race.!!

Congratulations to Allamerican Queen (Allamerican Ingot out of Teen Queen Lombo by Northern Luck), Bob Fowler and trainer driver Justin Prentice, with Allamerican Queen going to the front and putting in a strong staying performance over the 2569m, moving away over the final 100m to win by 8m, with last quarters 28.2 and 28.1.

$14,999 WASBA King-Lethbridge Memorial at Pinjarra - an unusual start to an excellent race day, with fillies winning the first four races. The $14,999 WASBA King-Lethbridge Memorial race was an excellent race, with favourite Alkiras Desire (by Real Desire out of Alkira Jet by Jet Laag) initially settling behind the race leader. An early move by Artistic Lilly to take the lead had Alkiras Desire now third on the rails. Getting away from the inside at the 400m, Alkiras Desire got clear coming round the bend and proved to be too strong in the run to the line. Artistic Lilly held on well for second, with a close fought battle for third. The final margin was 7m in 1:57.2. Congratulations to the Brockman family Neville, Mary and Vanessa, and driver Chris Lewis!

An interesting anecdote about both Alkiras Desire and Allamerican Queen is that the grey Jet Laag is in both pedigrees, and the dam of both Alkiras Desire and Allamerican Queen are grey and very nice race mares!

PATIENCE IS ALWAYS A VIRTUE

(28 April 2017) It was a night where owners and in most case breeders, had their faith in their horses bear fruit. And an unusual quirk of history were one of the winners belongs to the family of a former Champagne Classic winner.

Another yearling Sale graduate, passed in for $14,000 and retained by breeders Kevin and Annette Charles has been doing very well and stepped out in a quality C5 to C9 Westbred Pace and put in a very solid performance from the breeze to win. Starting from 5 4yo gelding Rabchenko (Art Major out of Lady Parsons by Parsons Den) couldnt muster enough speed to get to the front and was left in the breeze after El Hombre, the favourite from barrier 1 took a sit behind Hot Fraternity who was fast out from 2. With 300 to go Rabchenko was challenging for the lead. Hitting the front at the 50m he went on to win by 2.1m in 1:57.5, last quarters 28.9 and 28.2. The win was the 10th overall and along with 12 places his stakes are $74,350. His best mile rate of 1:55.2 was set at Pinjarra earlier in the month.

Lady Parsons, the dam of Rabchenko, was unraced but has produced 2 good winners in Rabchenko and metropolitan winning mare Where Dreams Grow (Allamerican Ingot) 1:54.7 $103,800. This is the same family as Golden Slipper and WA Derby winning filly Via Vista (Mark Lobell) 1:56.1 29 wins $169,727.

Having broken her Group and Listed "duck" a fortnight earlier, 4yo mare Sheer Rocknroll (Rocknroll Hanover out of Sheer Royalty by Parsons Den) showed that it was no fluke by winning the $23,000 Retravision 60 Day Price Promise Mares M0 and better class Pace in good style after starting from the outside of the front line. Slightly back from the barrier at the start, Sheer Rocknroll was midfield before pressing forward four wide after a few hundred metres to settle in the breeze after 700m. The race was run at a slick rate, with the third quarter in 28.4. Sheer Rocknroll challenged for the lead just before the 400m and coming off the back was just in front. With a last quarter also in 28.4, it was left to Sheer Rocknroll to withstand a late challenge from Foxy Dame to win by 1.5m in 1:56.6 with a further 8m to third.

Bred and owned by Bob Fowler's Allwood Stud, the win was the 20th for the 4yo mare, with $226,582 in the kitty. Sheer Rocknroll still has $23,000 to overtake the stake earnings of her dam Sheer Royalty, but looks like she will achieve that this season.

Probably everyone was waiting to see what would happen in the $50,000 Retravision Champagne Classic, and the race didnt disappoint. With outstanding West-sired filly Cott Beach (Advance Attack out of Back In The Black by Armbro Operative) taking on the boys it was a question of whether she would try to go to the front from the outside draw over the longer 2130m journey. With some phenomenal performances in her short career so far, Cott Beach has gone to the front from the barrier in recording her previous 3 wins from only 4 starts. Restrained out of the barrier, Cott Beach settled last in the two wide line. With a lap to go she followed a three wide forward move but half way up the back straight had to go four wide when that move stalled. Coming out of the back straight it was three across the front in the lead, with Cott Beach widest. At the 100m she raced up and hit the front and went on to win by 2.5m from the fast finishing Miss Sangrial. It was an outstanding win, and a good run also by Miss Sangrial. The win took her stakes to $48,350 with a best mile rate a super 1:54.9.

Back In The Black,1:58.1, 7 wins 18 places and $58,780 the dam of Cott Beach was sold by breeders Mal and Tanya Hancock and Tracey Massimini while carrying Cott Beach. Back In The Black is out of prolific winner Black And Blue (Northern Lights) 1:57.2 17 wins 21 places and $212,495. Her wins included the 2000 Daintys Daughter 3yo Fillies Classic, the 2000 State Sires Classic for 3yo fillies and the 2000 4 and 5yo Championship. She also won the 2001 4yo Mares State Sires Series Final. Black And Blue is out of another prolific producer, the John Coffey's Victorian bred mare Bonnie Blue Eyes (Golden Greek) 1:56.9,12 wins $87,565. Bonnie Blue Eyes produced 8 other winners including champion WA pacer No Blue Manna (Mystical Prince) 1:56.6 41 wins $628,157, Baby Blues (Safely Kept) 1:56.3 14 wins and $115,032, Levi Judd (D M Dilinger) 1:58.5 $71,142 and Big Blue Eyes (Red River Hanover) dam of Three Bears (Bettors Delight) 1:53.6 18 wins $127,501. This is the same family as 2007 WA 2yo of the Year Priscilla Rocks (Courage Under Fire) 1:58.9 $115,710.

Relishing the change in environment under new trainer (and lessee owner) Sarah Suvaljko, 5yo mare Sea Cider (Somebeachsomewhere out of Sippin Cider by Panorama) put in a strong effort to win the $25,000 GH Mumm The Johnson Final by a half neck in 1:57.1. Sea Cider started from 4 on the front at the nice odds of 11/1 and settled into what looked like the perfect position one out one back. However she was pulling hard and driver Michael Grantham wisely chose to move her into the breeze position outside stablemate Auctioneers Elsu with two laps to go. Coming off the back the last time she tackled the leader and was two lengths clear at the 100m, before withstanding a solid challenge near the finishing line. The win was her 10th and took her to just under $67,000.

Bred by Howard King and Ron and A Groves, Sea Cider is the 3rd foal and 3rd winner from the non winning Sippin Cider, who is out of the unraced Susie Mai (Tamai Boy). Susie Mai is a half sister to top WA juvenile and Champagne Classic and Golden Slipper winner Pardon Me Boys (Racy Prince) 1:58.9 15 wins $157,211.

2017 SALES CLASSICS AND OTHER GOOD THINGS

(21 April 2017) Some very excited connections winning the $100,000 Sales Classics with some top class performances. There was also a good performance in the Oaks Prelude by Maczaffair (Mach Three) who won by 13m, a great win by Heez On Fire and two other WA bred winners. But the night rightly belonged to the Sales Classic winners.

In the fillies event it was a terrific race between two high quality fillies, but there is always only one winner. WA bred filly Lady De La Renta (Well Said out of Flylika Bird Lombo by Jet Laag) and Tenniele Erin (Sportswriter out of Lilianna Beauty by Walton Hanover) both put in stirling performances.

Starting favourite from 2 Lady De La Renta wasnt able to hold out Tenniele Erin who started from 3. Tenniele Erin raced to the front and had a lead of one and a half lengths with 1200 to go, with Lady De La Renta in the breeze. At the 450 Lady De La Renta got within a half length then around the turn into the home straight she looked to have a good chance of gaining the upper hand. But the effort was telling and she broke stride, got going again but just couldnt make up the ground, with Tenniele winning by 1.5m in a super effort from the girls, mile rate 1:57.6. This was the second win from 5 starts for Tenniele Erin, with stakes of $69,440.

Bred in NSW and bought to WA with her dam, Tenniele Erin was passed in for $12,000 at the 2016 WA Yearling Sale and was retained by owner Kevin Charles. Her dam Lilianna Beauty is an American raced mare with 10 wins and $135,274 in stakes and best mile rate of 1:53. Tenniele Erin is her 3rd foal and first winner. The dam of Lilianna Beauty is Lilly Pad (Landslide) who is a half sister to champion US horse Hi Ho Silverheels (Walton Hanover) 1:49.8 $1,197,987 and champion Australian performer and Hunter Cup winner Sting Lika Bee (Walton Hanover) 1:55.8 $1,042,381.

The boys were next up - another exciting race with some exciting youngsters showing their wares. Favourite from 2 was Play The Boys (Shadow Play out of Hello Boys by Crouch) who took full advantage of his barrier position and went straight to the front, running the same lead time as the girls in the Fillies Sales Classic. Play the Boys led into the final turn, with the challenge coming from Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven), with Play The Boys holding on for a win by a head. Also good performances from Mistersandman (Somebeachsomewhere) who finished fast down the outside to finish 3rd, and 5th placegetter Village Benny (Village Jolt) who sat in the breeze. The race was a great result for Ross Waddell's PAcing WA partnerships, with Play The Boys under the Girl Power in Pacing banner and Rock Me Over under Pacing WA.

The win was the second from only two starts (the first win was in the Heat) by Play The Boys, with trainers Greg and Skye Bond delighted with the result. Play The Boys was a purchase by Pacing WA at the 2016 Sale for $27,000 and was one of the most impressive colts in the sale, bred and beautifully prepared by Debra Lewis. Hello Boys 12 wins 17 places and $89,541, was an excellent race mare, with both Justin and Aiden Warwick winning races on her. Hello Boys is the dam of 6 winners from 7 live foals including Kiss Chasey (Yankee Sensation) 1:55.3 16 wins $146,358, and Boys Lie (Badlands Hanover) 2:01 the dam of recent 3yo winning filly Rockin The Boys (Rock N Roll Heaven). Hello Boys is a half sister to 6 other winners including Party Date (Panorama) 1:56 25 wins and $256,003 the dam of Bettor Party (Bettors Delight) 1:54 24 wins $221,842, Rocknroll Whitby (Rocknroll Hanover) 10 wins $132,992 and 3 other winners. Boom Or Bust, the dam of Hello Boys, is a winning half sister to 6 other winners, and is out of Boom Boom Baby (Pure Steel) who in turn is a half sister to Dripping Diamonds (Maple Lanes Strike) the dam of Golden Goddess (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 29 wins $258,906 and Golden Gears (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 25 wins $336,466

10 days earlier, Heat winners were the Kat Warwick trained Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven out of Benjor Maddy Lombo (yes, the mother of the Derby winner 4 days earlier!) by 7m in 1:59.1, the Greg and Skye Bond trained Play The Boys (Shadow Play out of Hello Boys) in 1:56.2 by a neck, and the Kevin Keys trained Village Benny (Village Jolt out of Higenic) by a nose in 1:58.3. Other qualifers were Kohli, Born To Stride, Hughey The Hammer, Ooshtaa, Mistersandman and Totally Tintin, with fastest 4th Naval Aviator.

The girls fought out two heats, with Aldo Cortopassi trained Cool Sassi (Art Major out of Aussie Operative) in a sensible 2:01.9 by 4.8m, and the Annie Belton trained Lady De La Renta (Well Said out of Flylika Bird Lombo) by 6.8m in 1:55.1. Other qualifiers were Turbulance, Star of Bethany, Centregirl and Limited Funds from Heat 1, and Tenniele Erin, Princess Major, Vivere Damore and Ella Gant Player from Heat 2

Interesting to see that the Heat winners were all around the mid $20,000 price range at the 2016 WA Yearling Sale, with the other finalists ranging from some real bargains to the more expensive yearlings. Goes to show, nothing is guaranteed in racing!.

The night started well for those following form with 6yo gelding Real Zeal (Real Desire out of Rich Date by Rich And Spoilt) winning the $8,500 Clipsal by Schneider Electric Westbred Pace for C1 to C4 class, Starting at good odds of over 20/1 from the second row, he settled 3rd on the rails. With 450m to go in a quickening 3rd qtr of 28.3, Real Zeal got the split he needed and went after the leaders. Still 3rd at the 100m he rounded up the leaders and won by 4.8m. The starting odds were generous considering his good win 4 days earlier at Pinjarra, where he ran last quarters of 27.5 and 28.5 in winning. Bred by Harry Capararo and Kevin Keys, Real Zeal has now earned just over $59,000 from 7 wins and 18 places.

Real Zeal is the first foal from winning mare Rich Date, who is a 100% producer with all 3 foals being winners. She is full sister to the unraced My Sweet Adda, who is the dam of Blacknsweet Adda (Sutter Hanover) 1:55.2 19 wins $168,617.

A good win in good time saw 6yo mare Mon Lillies (Artesian out of Mon Poppies by Safely Kept) win Heat 3 of the Johnson for M1 mares. With the advantage of barrier 1 and some good form behind her, Mon Lillies started favourite and didnt disappoint. Leading all the way she went on to win by 1.3m in 1:57.5, last quarters in 28.4 and 28.3. It was her 10th win and took her stakes to just over $93,000. Mon Lillies, bred by Dale and D Monson, has a best mile rate of 1:54.7, set just over a year ago.

A brilliant, and apt win by Heez On Fire (Courage Under Fire out of Artists Impression by Perfect Art) in the $23,000 Memorial Day Stakes was a great result for lessee owner/trainer Bill Horn after the gelding returned to racing for the first time in four months. Heez On Fire settled at the back of the two wide line. With just over a lap to go he followed the three wide line forward. Coming out of the back straight and making a scintillating run, he flew down the outside to grab the unlucky Erskine Range 5m from the post. The win took the lightly raced Heez On Fire to $242,175 from 17 wins and 7 places. His wins have included the 2yo Westbred Classic, the $50,000 San Simeon and he was also third in the Golden Nugget.

Artists Impression, the dam of Heez On Fire, has produced 4 other winners including Remember Me Bel (Village Jasper) 1:56.3, 5 wins and $41,959. The dam of Artists Impression is Rakamo (Admiral Halsey) 2:01.7 10 wins and $28,484. She was an excellent broodmare, producing 10 winners including fast class pacer Hy Royale (Lotsa Clout) 1:57 20 wins $263,564. Rakamo is a half sister to Rakarach (Son Of Afella) 2:01.5 $17,280 the dam of Rakarebel (Christian Cullen) 1:54.1 25 wins $349,607. This is a top New Zealand family with hundreds of winners including champion race horse and sire from yesteryear in Lordship.

EASTER LONG WEEKEND

(13 April) Quite a good night for some very worthy winners and their connections.

With the scatching of Bettor Reward in the C5 to C9 Westbred Pace, 6yo gelding Debt Free Charlie (Village Jasper out of Art And Soul by Live Or Die) from 1 came in to second favourite at 3/1, with the favourite drawn uncomfortably at 5. Debt Free Charlie showed good speed out of the gate to be a clear leader, with the favourite settling in the breeze with two laps to go. The speed went up a level in the third quarter to 27.5, with Debt Free Charlie really stretching their necks. Coming into the home straight he was still in the lead but favourite Americanbootscoota made a last ditch effort and just failed by a nose, last half a scoot at 55.4. The win was the second Gloucester Park win in 6 weeks for the Karen Thompson bred gelding and took his figures to 9 wins and 17 places for stakes of just under $61,000.

Art And Soul (Live Or Die) 2:01.4 8 wins $18,108 had just two foals before dying while in foal, with both foals being winners. Her other foal is 3yo Whoswhointhezoo (Major In Art) 1:58.8 $14,010. Art And Soul is a daughter of the unraced Gladness (Windshield Wiper) who produced 6 winners including Bancoora Next (Whats Next) 1:57.9 23 wins $196,685, Ecstatic (Smooth Fella) 1:59.3 15 wins $88,913 and non winner Ray Of Gladness (Whats Next), the granddam of multiple Group winning mare Quick Draft (Art Major)1:53.1 19 wins $317,141. Gladness is a full sister to Circulatory, the dam of Concorde Lombo (Classic Garry) 1:58.4 33 wins $550,451. Justlikechocolate (Live Or Die) 1:57.9 13 wins $188,937 also belongs to this family.

What an occasion in Heat 2 of the Johnson for M1 mares, with Sarah Suvaljko reaching the 100 win milestone as a trainer. Congratulations to Sarah, and everyone should be taking note. 7yo mare Auctioneers Elsu (Elsu out of Maybe Matilda by Hey Maybe) started second favourite from 4 (the favourite had the prized 1 barrier). She started well and with the favourite leading from 1, Auctioneers Elsu settled one-one to be well placed after a solid lead time of 37.3. The leader seemed to weaken with 600 to go and started to drop back but grabbed the bit again to come back on the turn out of the back straight. With the changing scene, Auctioneers Elsu found clear ground on the turn into the front straight and coming three wide, she raced to the front and swept away to win by 9.5m with a good drive by Maddison Brown and a last quarter of 28.5. This took her tally to 15 wins and 33 places for $139,380. The real news though is that since taking over the training of Auctioneers Elsu in April 2015 Sarah has won $115,000 with the mare, including the 2015 WASBA Bob Humphries Memorial Westbred Mares race.

Bred by Dawn Howson, Auctioneers Elsu is the fifth winner and last foal from Maybe Matilda, with her other winners including Croucho Marx (Crouch) 2:01.4 $91,311 and Columbus Cullen (Christian Cullen) 1:56.5 13 wins $97,089. Maybe Matilda won the 1993 WA Oaks, and another Oaks winner in the family is 2014 NSW Oaks winner Shes A Runa (Jeremes Jet) 1:55.5 18 wins $291,126.

Maybe Matilda was the only filly from her dam Matilda Trunkey (Batman) who was a half sister to the unraced Trunkey Queen (Adorian). The Trunkey Queen arm of the family has produced Tiffany Liz (Tiff N Time) the dam of 6 winners including Cherokee Charmer (Redskin) 18 wins $101,667 the granddam of Shes A Runa.

Starting from 6 on the front, 4yo gelding New World Order (Rich And Spoilt out of Loose Lips by Orange Sovereign) dropped out of the early speed and settled second last but in the two wide line. There were several moves during the race with runners seeking better positions and with a lap to go New World Order had moved three wide. Moving up in the back straight, New World Order was midfield but letting go with a big run. Coming to the home turn he was the only threat to the three Greg Bond runners in front. Continuing to sweep up on the outside he was just in front at the 100m and went on to win the $20,000 Tabtouch M0 to M2 by 2.6m, last quarters 28.9 and 28.4 in a good mile rate of 1:56.5. This was his 10th win, with 9 places and $145,740 in stakes.

New World Order has been super consistent this time in with 4 wins and 5 seconds since November 2016. Bred by Hoghlight Lodge, the Group 1 winning New World Order is the sixth live foal and fifth winner from his dam Loose Lips with her other winners including full brother to Shipwreck 1:52.2 19 wins and $279,198. Ada Trunkey (Massie) the winning dam of Loose Lips, was a prolific broodmare, producing 19 foals of which 15 raced for 10 winners including Miss Scoot Along (W R H) 1:56.7 10 wins $50,294. Miss Scoot Along is the dam of Jennas Speedster (Jennas Beach Boy) 13 wins $103,714, Light Of My Life (Day In A Life) 1:59.5 10 wins $69,071 and Allthewaytothebank (Rich And Spoilt) 1:57 9 wins $54,966.

A great result in the $25,000 International Animal Health Products Westbred 4 and 5yo Mares Series, with 4yo mare Sheer Rocknroll (Rocknroll Hanover out of Sheer Royalty by Parsons Den) breaking through for a Listed race win after some excellent performances in other major races. Sheer Rocknroll's previous major win was in the De Campo 2yo fillies in 2015. Her best placed performance was a 3rd in the 2015 Golden Slipper and a 4th in the $150,000 Gannons WA Oaks.

Sheer Rocknroll started a short favourite from 4 at the barrier and driver Chris Lewis was content to let others go for the lead. In a fast lead time of 36.4 Sheer Rocknroll was sent to the front with 2 laps to go. From there Sheer Rocknroll dictated the race and slowed for a first quarter of 31 before increasing speed for each subsequent quarter. In the back straight she got a break on the field and was well clear coming into the home straight. Running 27.8 for the last quarter, the winning mile rate was 1:57 with a margin of 11.4m. The win took her stakes to $211,000 from 19 wins and 10 places, with 8 wins and 2 places from 15 starts this season.

Bred by Bob Fowler of Allwood Stud Farm, Sheer Rocknroll is the first foal and one of two winners from her Group 1 winning dam and WA Oaks winner Sheer Royalty 1:55.7 $248,904, who was the first foal from her dam Orange Pip (Orange Sovereign), who also produced good winner Zacs Nugget (Parsons Den) 1:55.9 16 wins for $144,900. Orange Pip was one of five winners from her dam Richfield Lady, whose dam was by the mighty Mount Eden.

Keeping up the good night for Bob Fowler of Allwood Stud, 4yo gelding El Hombre (Badlands Hanover out of Appaloosa by OK Bye) started from 3 out of the barrier and favourite in the 2536m mobile, and went straight to the front. Stepping up the pace in the third quarter, El Hombre was holding the field and was well clear with 100m to go, winning the $18,000 Follow Gloucester Park on Facebook by 8.4m with last quarters 28.7 and 28.8. Bred and owned by Bob, the win was the 7th for El Hombre, with a further 8 places bringing his total earnings to just over $62,000.

Appaloosa had 10 foals of racing age for 6 winners including the very talented but unsound Eurodollar (Million To One) 1:56.6 10 win $94,336 and Parsonemby (Parsons Den) 1:56.3 $200,902. Appaloosa is a daughter of US mare Aspiration (Sonsam) who was imported to New Zealand. Aspiration is a half sister to Shebatross (Niatross) who was brought to New Zealand as a foal at foot with her mother Sheba Hanover. Shebatross is the dam of Supreme Flight (New York Motoring) 1:53.4 38 wins $145,383, Westwind Renegade (Pacific Rocket) 1:57.1 16 wins and $137,008 and the unraced Sokys Legend (Sokys Atom). In turn, Sokys Legend is the dam of London Legend (In The Pocket ) 1:57.2 14 wins $290,778 and champion NZ, Australian and US horse Bit Of A Legend (Bettors Delight) 1:51 33 wins $1,449,897.

DERBY NIGHT, AND GUESS WHO WON?

(7 April 2017) Well it was Derby night and good to see a Derby Consololation for 12 horses that couldnt quite rate a start in a very competitive and classy Derby field. The night also proved we have talent in our WA bred horses if they are given the chance.

Setting the tone for the night, 3yo gelding Michael Joseph (Bettors Delight out of Stella Pearl by Live Or Die) produced the goods in the $18,000 Sky Racing Derby Consolation. Stepping out from 1 as race favourite, Michael Joseph was able to hold out the early challenges and maintain the race lead. Holding up well in front, the pace increased in a 28.8 third quarter as the challengers came. Kicking away on the turn out of the back proved to be just the right move with Michael Joseph holding on for a narrow win over the 2536m in 1:59.1. The win was the third for Michael Joseph, with $33,529 in career stakes. Bred by Robert Sheehy, Michael Joseph has a best mile rate of 1:56.2 set at only his second start. He has had three trainers in his short career, with Clive Dalton his current trainer producing him in great form for his second consecutive win.

His dam Stella Pearl was unraced and Michael Joseph is her only foal. Stella Pearl is a half sister to Mary Catherine (Art Major) 1:54.5, 9 wins and $103,209. Their dam Easy Riter (Getting It Right) 1:57.8 $39,252 won 5 races in her career and is out of the unraced mare Easy Girl (Romeo Hanover) who is a grand daughter of one of Dr Tom Early's top broodmares in Star Song (Grattan Loyal). Star Song produced 16 foals whose descendants include Centrefold Angel (Legacy Of Power) 1:55.2 14 wins $237,348, Formyeyesonly (Pacific Fella) 1:54.3 12 wins $91,774 and multiple other winners. This is also the maternal family of Majorly Foxy Styx (Art Major) 1:52.8 11 wins $211,635, Ima Rocket Star (Badlands Hanover) 1:56.2 25 wins $411,929, Courage To Rule (Courage Under Fire) 1:51.1 19 wins $523,451, Iraklis (Vance Hanover) 1:54.2 22 wins $1,019,042 and the one and only Mount Eden (Morris Eden).

The main event was a real thriller, with one of ours (yes, a Westbred!) charging down the outside to beat the best of them. 3yo colt Handsandwheels (Mach Three out of Benjor Maddy Lombo by Perfect Art) started inside the backline and settled 2nd on the rails, with the expected race leader and 3rd favourite Im Rockaria in the lead and the favourite in the breeze. The race was run at a good clip, and the action started with just over a lap to go. The three big guns were at the front, with 2nd favourite Mitch Maguire leading up the 3 wide line. A third quarter of 27.9 was a deciding factor, with a short gap behind the leading three allowing Handsandwheels to be extricated from the rails by Aiden De Campo. Making a four then five wide run with Rock Diamond now on his inside and still fifth at the 100m, he ran down the new leader Rock Diamond on the line and grabbed the win by a head in 1:57.8. The win followed an excellent 2nd in a Derby Prelude and a tough 3rd in the $30,000 Country Derby. Handsandwheels now has the impressive figures of 5 wins including a Group 1, 6 places and $156,650 in stakes.

Handsandwheels, who was bred by Mike Howie and trained by Andrew De Campo is out of Benjor Maddy Lombo (Perfect Art) 2:01.8, the winner of 3 Victorian races as a 2 and 3YO and $21,511 in stakes. Benjor Maddy Lombo is the dam of 3 other winners including King-Lethbridge Memorial winner Maddy White (Lombo Mandingo) 1:56.9 11 wins $110,824 and promising 2yo Rock Me Over (Rock N Roll Heaven). Benjor Maddy Lombo is also a half sister to 5 other winners including Suave Stuey Lombo (Bettors Delight) 1.49.6 $587,032, Miss Trickin Lombo (Blissfull Hall) 1.53.3 $230,312 and Sweet Maddy Lombo (Panorama) 1:59.5 $106,588. Her granddam is Misty Maiden (Windshield Wiper) 1:59.4 $245,449 who was named Australian 3 year old of the year, and as a broodmare was named Australian Broodmare of the year, both the highest honours that can be achieved. Misty Maiden is the dam of Australian 2yo of the Year Lombo Pocket Watch (Jet Laag) $1,522,638 45 wins, of which 19 were consecutive at 2 and 3!

It was a classic two horse war in the $18,000 Sky Racing Handicap Stand, with Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet out of Spicks And Specks by Golden Greek) prevailing over another good WA bred gelding and main rival New World Order. Tommy Be Good had to drop back to last from the 10m line after missing a spot near the front when New World Order slid into the one out one back. Taking off very fast in the back straight, Tommy Be Good rocketed up to the leading bunch and was chasing New World Order who had grabbed the lead at the 300m. Tommy Be Good was just too strong in the finish and won by a head with 9.6m to third. The win was the third for the season and the 11th all up with 10 places and $80,424 in stakes. It was also his second consecutive metropolitan class win in 14 days in a stand.

Bred by John Coffey of Patrician Park, Tommy Be Good is the fifth and last foal out of the winning mare Spicks And Specks who has also produced Liquid Radar (Armbro Operative) 1:57 13 wins $115,893. As well as being the grandam of Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire)1:56.8 19 wins $91,086, Spicks And Specks is a half sister to Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199 and Turkish (Village Jasper) 1:59 12 wins $131,303. Breathtaking (Classic Garry) the dam of Spicks And Specks, is a half sister to WA champion Shattering Class (Golden Greek) 62 wins $810,302. Plenty of class in this family, but unfortunately not many fillies to continue on.

Another class effort from a WA bred horse in 4yo gelding Mister Versace (Bettors Delight out of Prix De Whitby by Life Sign), winning the $18,000 Sky Sports Radio Pace for M0 class. Mister Versace has been in good form this season with this being his fifth win. Stepping out from barrier 1 he was the obvious favourite. He duly went to the front and a slow lead time and slow first quarter followed. The pace stepped up in the third quarter but apart from some concern from driver Kim Prentice 100m from home, with a 28.1 last quarter and 56.6 last half he was going to win. The final margin was 3.6m and there were some good performances amongst the beaten bunch. Bred by Ed Dewar,C Plabou and W Grimm, Mister Versace was a $17,500 WA Yearling Sale puchase and the win took him to $54,583 from 6 wins and 9 places from only 26 starts.

You dont always have to lead from barrier 1 and El Sunami (Elsu out of Tropical Sky by Panorama) proved the point in the Follow Sky Racing C1 to C4 over 2130m. With a fast lead time of 36.8 Clinton Hall on El Sunami didnt push his charge out of the barrier and settled 2 back on the rails. Getting his chance coming out of the back straight the last time, El Sunami briskly moved up to be fifth and chasing. Third at the 100m, El Sunami raced up and came away in the end to win by 2.1m in 1:58.6, last quarter 28.9. He now has over $58,000 in stakes from 6 wins and 23 places.

Bred and owned by Danielle Maguire, El Sunami is the first winner from his dam Tropical Sky, who won 2 races in a short career of 11 starts.

Rainy Day Feeling (Sprinkler) the dam of Tropical Sky produced 6 winners including Ladybird (Panorama) 1:58.5 14 wins $109,030, who in turn is the granddam of The Black Assassin (Lombo Pocket Watch) 1:54.4 17 wins $131,233 in stakes.

A BETTOR REWARD

(31 March 2017) a difficult night but some good performances not quite getting past the post first.

However, a good result for 5yo gelding Bettor Reward (Bettors Delight out of Chemical Romance by Northern Luck) to start from 8 out of 8 starters in the C5 to C9. He has always been a class act and duly started favourite even though his previous start was a distasterous run (listed as 502m last although he was retired from the event) in the Pinjarra Cup. Bettor Reward was restrained out of the barrier and settled last in the outside line. The lead time was a leisurely 39.3 and the next two quarters were also steady at around 30 for the 2130m event. Bettor Reward happily stayed at the back until entering the straight the last time where he moved three wide to make a run. Gathering the leaders in, and with the last two quarters in 28.9 and 27.7, his class was on display and he went on to win the Steelos Bistro Westbred Pace by 4.4m in 1:58.7. This was his 11th win from only 19 starts, with only 5 unplaced runs in his career. His total stakes are now $179,585 with a best mile rate of 1:54.5.

Chemical Romance, the dam of Bettor Reward, is a half sister to 7 winners including WA Derby winner Trunkey Maseratti (Wellwood Hanover) 1:56.4, 22 wins and $273,457. Her dam Ferrari Trunkey (Tarcoola Frost) 1:56.6 won 22 races and $267,527 including the WA Oaks, Breeders Stakes, Silver Bracelet and other Group races. Celevale Trunkey (Massie), the dam of Ferrari Trunkey, produced 9 winners including Ferrari Trunkey’s full brother Trunkey Jaguar 1:59.4 26 wins $142,526. This has been a top class family of quality winners in WA.

A GOLDEN WEEKEND OF WINNERS

(24 - 27 March 2017) Two nice results for the girls on Friday night as well as 3 solid performances including some top efforts in the Westbred Final. The following Monday was another great win by 2yo filly Cott Beach (by WA sire Advance Attack) in 1:55.2 and a super race in the $30,000 Golden Girls Mile Classic, won by top mare Major Reality (Art Major) in 1:54 flat for a very happy last minute reinsman in Chris Voak.

Starting favourite from 2 on the front, 5yo gelding Machrihanish (Shadow Play out of Sauvage by Million To One) had plenty of speed out of the barrier and ran to the lead in a solid lead time. Stepping up the pace in the third quarter to run 28.7, he started to clear away on the bend into the home straight and went on to win by 5.6m with a 27.2 last quarter and a very impressive mile rate of 1:55.7 over the 2130m. The win was the 14th for the McLarty bred and owned gelding, with 14 places for $107,951. Over $39,000 has come this season. With a lifetime best of 1:53.8 over the mile at Pinjarra last year he has shown that he is a very speedy customer.

Machrihanish is the second winner from his dam Sauvage, who started only 8 times for 2 wins. Her dam Patrice (Royal Band) was the dam of 7 winners from 8 foals including Turlington (Crouch) 2:02.1 $71,511. The granddam of Patrice was WA Broodmare of the Year Wilvetta, who produced 8 winners including prolific winners in the 60s in Coolup Way 2:02.4 $126,086 Placid Way 2:01.2 $146,588 and Each Way 2:01.2 $135,992, all by top stallion of the day Admiral Way (Stormyway). These are very impressive stakes for the times. More recent notable winners include Machine Gun Bonnie (Fully Loaded) 1:57.4 10 wins $62,744 and Lindas Only (Armbro Operative) 1:56.9 17 wins $167,383.

Well thought of in the betting, 5yo gelding Tommy Be Good (Jeremes Jet out of Spicks And Specks by Golden Greek) started from 3 on the front in the stand and stepping off well, he quickly settled behind the race leader. With the race run at a good rate, Tommy Be Good was looking to get off the rails in the back straight the last time, and at the 400 when the run came, Tommy Be Good moved out three wide and racing down the outside, grabbing the front on the line to win the $18,000 Intersport Slater Gartrell Discretionary Stand by an official half head in 1:59.8, last quarters 28.1 and 28.4. His 10 wins and 10 places have now earned him $68,544 and his last three wins have come in stands. Bred by John Coffey's Patrician Park, Tommy Be Good is a son of Spicks And Specks who won 5 races in her career and has produced 2 other winners including Liquid Radar (Armbro Operative) 1:57 13 wins 28 places $115,893 and is also the granddam of Glenferrie Affair (Courage Under Fire) 1:56.8 19 wins $91,086. Spicks And Specks is a half sister to Demoralizer (Crouch) 1:56.7 26 wins $358,199 and Turkish (Village Jasper) 1:59 12 wins $131,303. Breathtaking (Classic Garry) the dam of Spicks And Specks, is a half sister to WA champion Shattering Class (Golden Greek) 62 wins $810,302. Plenty of class in this family.

The Westbred Series Final was a hotly contested race, with a lot of good form to choose from. With so much to choose from the punters overlooked the eventually winner, the very nicely bred 5yo gelding Hot Fraternity (Art Major out of Red Hot Date by Village Jasper) who started at the stunningly good odds of 80/1. Hot Fraternity was well driven by junior Bailey McDonough for trainer Frank Bonnett and owners Sean Sargent, Kath Rosher and other family members and friends, with some of the ownership team also breeding the gelding. Hot Fraternity was restrained out of gate 8 on the front and with a solid lead time of 36.1, plenty of pressure in running and a third quarter of 28.2 it was the fast finishing sweeper Hot Fraternity who won out in a mile rate of 1:55.9. Hot Fraternity is the second winner from top race mare and 2007 WASBA Breeders Stakes winner Red Hot Date 1:56.5 12 wins $99,730. Her dam Boom Or Bust (Kawartha Robust) 2:03 $35,997 is another top quality WA broodmare. She is the dam of Hello Boys (Crouch) 12 wins 17 places and $89,541, Party Date (Panorama) 1:56, 25 wins and $256,003 and 4 other winners. Hello Boys is the dam of Kiss Chasey (Yankee Sensation) 1:55.3 16 wins $146,358 and Party Date is the dam of Bettor Party (Bettors Delight) 1:54 24 wins $215,390, Rocknroll Whitby (Rocknroll Hanover) 10 wins $132,642 and 3 other winners. Boom Or Bust is a winning half sister to 6 other winners, and is out of Boom Boom Baby (Pure Steel) who in turn is a half sister to Dripping Diamonds (Maple Lanes Strike) the dam of Golden Goddess (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 29 wins $258,906 and Golden Gears (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 25 wins $336,466.

WINNERS IMPRESS

(17 March 2017) An impressive Derby Prelude win and 4/5yo Championship were not the only good efforts on the night.

An unusual way to win! 6yo gelding Damondo (Orleans out of Armbro Rosie by Armbro Operative) started from outside the back line but broke in the score up, which might have been a blessing in disguise. Settling 3rd last but five back on the fence and with the tempo increasing in the back straight the last time, Damondo was able to move off the rails and make a fast forward move three wide. By the turn into the front straight he was 4 deep and closing and five deep entering the home straight. Not to be outdone, he hit the lead inside the 50m and went on to win Heat 3 of the Westbred Series by 1.9m in 1:58, third quarter in 28 flat. In an unusual twist, the horse placed third past the post was disqualified for taking a run inside the marker pegs. Bred and owned by John Bell, Damondo has now won 8 times with 11 places for $46,858 in stakes.

Damondo is the first winner from his unraced dam Armbro Rosie (Armbro Operative). Her dam Rose Of Colleen (The Other Guy) 1:59.9 7 wins $25,161 in stakes, is the only filly from her dam Betsy Matao (Sokys Atom) who is a half sister to Sur Sambo (Surmo Hanover) 1:58.4 25 wins $133,626 in stakes. Of particular interest in this pedigree is that Hurricane Iris (Armbro Hurricane),the dam of Betsy Matao, is a half sister to Gramatan (Fallacy) who is the sire of champion WA raced gelding, Hunter Cup, Inter Dominion and dual Miracle Mile winner Village Kid 1:55.1 93 wins $2,117,870

In some good form, trainer driver Garry Butler scored another good win, this time in the $18,500 Alltools Sidchrome M0 with 5yo gelding Aussie Delight (Bettors Delight out of Texan Cowgirl by Fake Left). Bred and part owned by Dene Bickers and raced with family and friends, Aussie Delight started as favourite from 5 on the front and settled straight into the breeze position out of the barrier. Running an even first and second quarter, the race leaders picked up speed to run a 28.6 third quarter and by the 400m Aussie Delight had headed the leader. An extremely good effort over the longer 2536m race, Aussie Delight pulled away from the field to have about 3 lengths lead entering the home straight and went on to win by 6.6m in 1:59.3, last quarter 28.5. Aussie Delight commenced his career as a 3yo and has had only 25 starts for 11 wins and 3 places for $74,203 in stakes with a best mile rate of 1:55.6 set 2 years ago. The win was his second start since resuming from a 9 month break.

Texan Cowgirl, the dam of Aussie Delight was a 6 times winner and has produced 6 winners from her 8 foals of racing age, including Aussie Reactor (Camcracker) 1:50.6 44 wins $616,425. She is also the dam of Bootscootngirl (Parsons Den) who is the dam of Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot) 1:55.2 $76,545. Texan Cowgirl is also the dam of non winning Texan Jet (Jet Laag) who is the dam of the promising 3yo Anvil Rollover (Artistic Fella) 1:56.1. Texan Cowgirl is out of Texan Classic (Classic Garry) the dam of Capricorn Cruiser (Kinney Hanover) 1:57.6 17 wins $206,464 and full sister Madusa Cam (Fake Left) 1:58.9 11 wins $94,162.

Another excellent win over the longer 2536m, this time in the $18,000 Alltools Pace for M0. After early success as a 2yo in the 2015 $100,000 Sales Classic, 4yo gelding Rocknroll Whitby (Rocknroll Hanover out of Party Date by Panorama) followed a good 3yo season with a good Busselton season (winning the 2017 Busselton Cup) and now a metro stakes win. Rocknroll Whitby started from 8 and dropped back to long last out of the barrier. He made a strong 3 wide move at the 1200 and was in the breeze with a 1000 to go. By the time they had reached the 400 he was a half length in front. He went on to a huge win by 14.4m in 1:59.6. This was his 10th win, with 8 places to go with $132,642 in stakes.

Bred and part owned by Ed Dewar and Geoff Groenenberg, Rocknroll Whitby is one of 5 winners produced by Party Date, including Bettor Party (Bettors Delight) 1:54 24 wins $214,166. Party Date 1:56, 25 wins (including the Ladyship Mile at Moonee Valley) and $256,003 and her dam Boom Or Bust (Kawartha Robust) 2:03 $35,997 and granddam Boom Boom Baby (Pure Steel) have figured in the breeding of quite a few recent winners, with the family continuing its success story. Party Date is a half sister to Hello Boys (Crouch) 12 wins 17 places and $89,541, WASBA Breeders Stakes winner Red Hot Date (Village Jasper) 1:56.5 12 wins $99,730 and 3 other winners. Boom Or Bust is a winning half sister to 6 other winners, and her dam Boom Boom Baby is a half sister to Dripping Diamonds (Maple Lanes Strike) the dam of Golden Goddess (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 29 wins $258,906 and Golden Gears (Golden Greek) 1:56.9 25 wins $336,466. The family also includes Kiss Chasey (Yankee Sensation) 1:55.3 16 wins $146,358 and recent winner Hot Fraternity.

TALKING ABOUT GOOD WINNERS FROM WA

(10 March 2017) It was another good night for WA bred horses with 6 out of the 10 races at WA's pacing headquarters going to WA bred horses.Two of the winners were by Empire Stallion's Dawn Ofa New Day.

6yo horse Letztorqueaboutyou (Courage Under Fire out of Walnut Hall by Whata Baron) staked his claim for the Westbred Series Final for C1 to C4 class with a good win in Heat 2. Getting away really well from 5 on the front he scooted across and went to a clear lead by 7m in a fast lead time. Slowing the field to a slow first quarter and even second quarter he stepped up the pace in a third quarter 28.9 and had the field "well covered". With an “impossible to catch” last quarter of 27.1 he went on to an easy win by 3.4m in 1:58.2. The win took him to just over $31,000 from 4 wins and 2 places from only 8 starts. Bred, trained and part owned by Garry Butler, Letztorqueaboutyou is showing great from, winning at every second start (now there’s an omen).

Walnut Hall 2:00.6, the dam of Letztorqueaboutyou, has been an exemplary broodmare after a successful race career and has produced 7 winners from her 7 foals of racing age. Garry Butler was very familiar with her racing career, having driven her throughout her South Australian career. Her other winners include Haulin Art (Peace Of Art) 1:56.6 and Globe Vauxall (Tibet) 2:00.2. The maternal family has produced many good winners with multiple Group 2 and 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter Bitobliss (Blissfull Hall) 1:51.8 24 wins $473,733 the most prominent.

Stepping out in the $19,000 Princi Butchers M0-M1 Mares, Sheer Rocknroll (Rocknroll Hanover out of Sheer Royalty by Parsons Den) put in a classy performance to win easily. Starting favourite from 7 off the front, Sheer Rocknroll, who is owned and bred by Allwood Stud Farm, settled one out and two back in running. With a slow first quarter, Sheer Rocknroll waited until the winning post the last time before moving out three wide to start her run. With 400 to go she was second and then raced past the leader and bolted away to win by 7.9m in 1:57.9, last qtrs in 28.8 and 27.9. It was the 18th career win for Sheer Rocknroll who also has 9 places from only 41 starts and stakes of $190,462.

Sheer Royalty, her dam, was the winner of 9 races and $248,904 with a lifetime best of 1:55.7. Orange Pip (Orange Sovereign) 2:00.8 $35,156 the dam of Sheer Royalty, was the dam of 4 other winners including Zacs Nuggett (Parsons Den) 1:55.9 16 wins $144,900.

Starting from 2 on the front 5yo gelding Vultan Tin (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Ellevarrac by Pacific Fella) put in another good performance for the season with a win in Heat 1 of The Clarke for M1 class. Settling quickly into the one out one back position, Vultan Tin was looking good in running. He waited until coming up to the turn out of the back straight where he took off and was looking a definite threat. Still 3 wide round the bend he ran down the race leader to win comfortably by 5.2m, with the middle quarters very solid at 28.9 and 27.9. The mile rate was a snappy 1:56.4 over the 2130m. The win took Vultan Tin to a tick under $85,000 from 9 wins and 18 places. Vultan Tin was bred and owned by Phil and D Costello and also trained by Phil, who bred his dam Ellevarrac who unfortunately died last year with her unborn foal. Ellevarrac won 1 race and $12,896 in stakes in her career, and is a half sister to two other winners.

With some unplaced runs after a top class win in January and from barrier 8, 9yo gelding Atlastalone (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Classy And Smart by Fake Left) started at the nice odds of 10/1 for owner breeder Ross Waddell in the $23,000 McInerney Ford Pace for M1 to M3. Starting well, he went straight across to the breeze position and settled comfortably in running. Towards the turn into the home straight for the run home, Atlastalone ran to the front and after such a strong run sitting in the breeze, he was still able to hold out the favourite and win by 4.5m in 1:58.7, last quarter 28.5. The win took Atlastalone to $170,732 from 16 wins and 22 places, with his tally for the season being over $45,000.

Classy And Smart 1:56.9, the dam of Atlastalone is also the dam of Reminder Call (Armbro Deuce) 1:54.7 7 wins $43,274. Classy And Smart won 14 races in her career for $104,828 in stakes. Her dam Rich and Racy (Preux Chevalier) 1:58.3 5 wins $17,510 is a half sister to Elite Dynasty (Vance Hanover) who is the dam of Son Of Fergie (Totally Western) 1:53.2, 27 wins $374,325, and Elite Angel (Safely Kept) 1:56.7 12 wins $128,702.

Starting favourite but from 6 on the front, 4yo gelding New World Order (Rich And Spoilt out of Loose Lips by Orange Sovereign) settled last in the small field but was within reach if good enough. Taking off with a lap to go he started a three wide move and was three wide without cover coming out of the back. Sprinting hard he stormed to the front at the 100m and went on to win the $18,500 International Animal Health Products M0 Pace by 4.4m in 1:57.5, last quarter 28.1. The win was the 9th for the Bill Hayes' Highlight Lodge bred gelding and with the 2016 $100,000 Westbred Classic and 7 places his total stakes are now $125,700.

Four times winner Loose Lips 2:01.8, the dam of New World Order, is the dam of 4 other winners including Shipwreck (Rich And Spoilt) 1:52.2 19 wins and $279,198. Her unraced dam Ada Trunkey (Massie) is the dam of 10 winners including Miss Scoot Along (W R H) 1:56.7 10 wins $50,294, who is the dam of Jennas Speedster (Jennas Beach Boy) 1:59.8 13 wins $103,714 and recent winner Allthewaytothebank (Rich And Spoilt) 1:57 8 wins $48,551.

The stars must have been aligned for 4yo gelding Rabchenko (Art Major out of Lady Parsons by Parsons Den) in the $18,000 Alltools M0 Pace over 2130m. He won the start and flew to the lead, setting a comfortable lead time and even time for the first two quarters. In a very unusual situation the rails horse following Rabchenko and the breeze horse locked wheels and caused interference to the next four horses, allowing Rabchenko to dash away and be well clear in the back straight. Rabchenko went on to win by 13.5m for his eighth win. With 12 places his stakes are just under $64,000.

Lady Parsons, the dam of Rabchenko, is also the dam of Where Dreams Grow (Allamerican Ingot) 1:54.7 12 wins $103,800. In a loss to breeders Kevin and Annette Charles, Lady Parsons died in 2016 with her unborn foal. Her 2015 filly by Betterthancheddar was judged best filly in the recent WA APG Sale. This is the family of top race filly, Golden Slipper and WA Derby winner Via Vista 1:56.1 29 wins $169,727.Another sale finished, but this was the first run by the new team of APG. Congratulations David Boydell and crew, and some quality yearlings presented by the vendors

2017 APG WA YEARLING SALE

(5 March 2017) Another sale finished, but this was the first run by the new team of APG. Congratulations David Boydell and crew, and some quality yearlings presented by the vendors.

The fillies were terrific and with their better racing opportunities and EPONA their average was up by over $2,000 on last year. The colts and geldings were marginally higher, but all in all it was a great effort by everyone involved and we look forward to next year's sale being even better. Certainly some of the yearlings were equal in presentation to anywhere in Australia. Two fillies were Sales toppers, both selling for $57,500 with Annie Belton claiming the Bettors Delight half sister to Dior Mia More (Lot 416) sold by Patrician Park and Dennis Roche winning the Sportswriter - Royal Tour filly (Lot 466) presented by KTC Bloodstock. Top of the colts was a Mach Three colt (Lot 412) presented by KTC Bloodstock and bought by Sytka Pty Ltd.

Another successful WASBA parade with 2/3 of the yearlings parading. Thanks once again to the Standardbred Pleasure & Performance Horse Association of WA (SPPHAWA) for assisting with the Parade, and to our two judges Hayley Moore and Tracey Cosham.

The five fillies judged best in parade were Lot 428 by Betterthancheddar, Lot 466 by Sportswriter (the equal top price in the Sale) and Lot 485 by Western Terror (all KTC Bloodstock), Lot 478 by Mr Feelgood (for Bill Hayes) and Lot 484 by Alta Christiano (Graham and Wendy Gilbert).Lot 428 by Betterthancheddar was judged best filly in the parade.

The top 5 colts presented were Lot 412 by Mach Three (who was also the top priced colt), Lot 481 by Four Starzzz Shark and Lot 509 by Auckland Reactor (all KTC Bloodstock for Kevin and Annette Charles), Lot 439 by Betterthancheddar (Barry and Julie Warwick), and 504 by Sportswriter (Colleen Lindsay). Barry and Julie's Betterthancheddar colt was judged the best, making it a double for BetterthancheddarThe best dressed handler Chris Feast received $50 and WASBA again provided $250 to two of the vendors parading their yearlings (drawn at random). John Coffey did an admirable job compering the parade as well as being one of the vendors on the day. Here is some more of the action in the parade.

It's along day for the babies, with everyone helping to calm the nerves.

THE WINNERS KEEP ROLLING IN

(3 March 2017) Another night of fun for everyone, with six more winners.

With the speed on throughout it was a very good run by both the winner and second placed Americanbootscoota (Allamerican Ingot), but in the end 4yo gelding Mister Versace (Bettors Delight out of Prix De Whitby by Life Sign) prevailed in Heat 1 of the Westbred Series for C1 to C4 class. The favourite, Mister Versace was fast out from barrier 4 and had the front in the first 100m. With Americanbootscoota getting to the breeze it was a solidly run race. Headed in running but with the inside advantage, Mister Versace was not going to take the bait and he maintained a solid pace under hold. It was a hard fought third quarter of 28.1 making it difficult for the three wide challenge and with a final quarter of 28.1 as well, it came down to a fighting finish with Mister Versace by a neck over Americanbootscoota. Bred by Ed Dewar, C Plabou and W Grimm, Mister Versace ran a lifetime best of 1:56.1 for the 2130m belying the class of the race and demonstrating once again that our local horses have what it takes. The win took the lightly raced Mister Versace to 5 wins and 8 places and $39,938.

Mister Versace was another excellent spot by trainer Annie Belton who has had great success with her purchases at the WA Yearling Sale, with Mister Versace being a $17,500 purchase in 2014. Mister Versace is beautifully bred being from the winning race mare Prix De Whitby 2:01.5 $30,934, who was retired from raced as a 2yo with 3 wins and 4 places. Her dam Whitbys Merit (French Chef) 2:00.3 $168,598, was a top race mare winning the 1993 Diamond Classic and the Champagne Classic. She also won the 1993 Pearl and the 1993 Golden Slipper, beating the colts. She won 10 of her first 12 starts as a 2yo and was retired after 2 starts as a 3yo. Whitbys Merit has been a fantastic broodmare, producing 11 winners from 13 live foals including Aikido Whitby (Life Sign) 1:55.2 1:55.2, 21 wins and $270,328, and Victorian Oaks and WA Sales Classic winner Montana Anna (Mystical Prince) 1:59 13 wins $230,863. Whitbys Merit is a daughter of the NZ mare and broodmare gem Remit who was brought to WA by Ed Dewar. Whitby Timer (Spring Run) 1:56.9 23 wins $314,899, Whitby Heritage (Maple Lanes Strike) 1:58.8 22 wins $201,758, twice Australian Broodmare of the Year Fiscal Miss (Captain Hook) 1:59.6 15 wins, Whitbys Miss Penny (Booth Hanover) 1:55.2 32 wins $568,289, Ace Of Whitby (Booth Hanover) 1:58.8 29 wins $317,289 and multiple Group 1 winning mare Ima Spicey Lombo (Pacific Fella) 1:55.1 24 wins $483,686 are all part of Remit's family, all bred by Ed Dewar.

Surprising the expected leader, 6yo mare Allthewaytothebank (Rich And Spoilt out of Miss Scoot Along by W R H) flew out of the barrier from 3 and scooted to the lead. From there she controlled the race with fairly even quarters and really wasnt challenged, eventually winning the $18,000 Schneider Ecoxpert Mares M0 class by 4.1m in 1:57.8, last quarter in 28.4. Bred and owned by Bill Hayes' Highlight Lodge, Allthewaytothebank has now won just under $50,000 from 8 wins and 10 places and brought up her third win from 4 starts, with her lifetime best mark of 1:57 set just 3 days before. Miss Scoot Along, the dam of Allthewaytothebank, was a very speedy mare with 10 wins and 14 places from only 38 starts, $50,294 in stakes and best time 1:56.7. She is the dam of 4 other winners including Jennas Speedster (Jennas Beach Boy) 1:59.8 13 wins $103,714, and she is a daughter of Ada Trunkey (Massie). Ada Trunkey produced 10 winners including Loose Lips (Orange Sovereign) 2:01.8 the dam of Shipwreck (Rich And Spoilt) 1:52.2 19 wins $279,198 and Group 1 winning full brother New World Order 1:55.3 9 wins $125,700.

Another WA bred showing speed out of the barrier was 8yo gelding Red Salute (Life Sign out of Gold Stature by Stature) who started from 8 on the front in the 1730m $23,000 Clipsal & Schneider Electric Pace. Red Salute quickly settled in the breeze after the favourite from 2 took the leaders role as expected. After half a lap Red Salute had cover and the race continued without change until the back straight the last time whenthe challengers took off from the back and Red Salute moved out to take the three wide lead. Moving up steadily, he was still three wide but closing and with 100 to go he was just in front. Moving away in the run to the line he went on to win by 3.8m in a lifetime best of 1.55.3, last quarters 28.7 and 27.7. Bred and part owned by Jeanine Diederich, Red Salute took his lifetime earnings to $253,199 from 18 wins and 22 places, including a win in the 2013 $50,000 Binshaw Classic and $25,000 The Kersley.

Red Salute is the 4th foal and second winner from Gold Stature, who won over $60,000 from 14 wins and 28 places in her career. Gold Stature is a full or half sister to 5 other winners including Gold Status (Stature) 2:01.5 10 wins 22 places $57,325.

Starting favourite from 5 in the small but classy field, 3yo filly Red Hot Roxy (Somebeachsomewhere out of Gabriella Rocks by Four Starzzz Shark) went straight to the front and put in an excellent performance to lead all the way in the $25,000 Clipsal By Schneider Electric Fillies 3yo Sales Classic. Roxy was too classy on the night and won by 8.7m with another 9m to third. The winning mile rate was 1:58.6 with last quarter in 28.3. It was an excited group of owners for the Pacing WA partnership celebrating the win on track, with the Steve Johnson bred Red Hot Roxy taking her stakes to $112,050 from 6 wins and 1 place from only 9 starts. Her win meant she won the double, with the 2016 $100,000 Sales Classic already in her collection. What a great result for Ross Waddell's newly formed Pacing WA partnership with trainer Kat Warwick selecting the filly at the 2014 Yearling Sale and paying $24,000 to secure her. Red Hot Roxy is the first foal from the unraced Gabriella Rocks (Four Starzzz Shark), who is a half sister to five winners including Forty Two Grand (Armbro Operative) 1:58.3 16 wins $122,875 and Grinjaro (Grinfromeartoear) 1:55.2 17 wins $248,982. Of course, Four Starzzz Shark, the sire of Gabriella Rocks, is also the sire of Inter Dominion winner Lennytheshark 1:49.2 $2,560,890.

Another win to the favourite, this time it was 3yo gelding Bob Wheel (Allamerican Ingot out of The Silver Lining by Jet Laag) in the $25,000 Clipsal By Schneider Electric Colts and Geldings 3yo Sales Classic. Bob Wheel started from 2 and with a slow lead time he comfortably settled in the breeze position. The pace picked up in the third and fourth quarters and Bob Wheel gradually pulled in the leader then held off a late challenge to win by a head in 1:58.9, last quarters 28.5 and 28.4. Bred by Kevin and Annette Charles, the win was the fourth by Bob Wheel who now has stakes of just under 4 wins 6 places $39,610.

And the winners keep coming, this time with 6yo gelding Debt Free Charlie (Village Jasper out of Art And Soul by Live Or Die) who set a lifetime best of a very special 1:55.4 in winning the $18,000 Clipsal Iconic Pace for M0 over 1730m. Debt Free Charlie started at the nice odds of 27 to 1 from barrier 5 and it was a real battle for the lead going into the first turn with Debt Free Charlie hitting the front. The first quarter was an astonishing 26.4 and it was no surprise that the rest of the race was run with slower quarters. Holding out the challengers, he held on to win by 1.6m and it was an especially good effort with so much speed early. Bred by Karen Thompson, Debt Free Charlie has now won $53,327 from 8 wins and 15 places.

Debt Free Charlie was the first of only two foals produced by Art And Soul before she died while in foal. Her other foal Whoswhointhezoo (Major In Art) is also a winner. Art And Soul won 8 races in her career and is a half sister to 5 other winners including Bancoora Next (Whats Next) 1:57.9 23 wins $196,685, Ecstatic (Smooth Fella) 1:59.3 15 wins $88,913 and non winner Ray Of Gladness (Whats Next) who is the granddam of multiple Group winning mare Quick Draft (Art Major)1:53.1 19 wins $317,141. This is also the family of Concorde Lombo (Classic Garry) 1:58.4 33 wins $550,451 and Justlikechocolate (Live Or Die) 1:57.9 13 wins $188,937.

EMPRESS STAKES NIGHT

(24 February 2017) A excellent win in the Empress Stakes for classy mare The Parade was one of the highlights of the night.However, she wasnt the only winner whose connections were thrilled with the result.

With a few different trainers and drivers over time but in his new stable since August 2016, 8yo gelding Glow Bright (Artesian out of Bailee Renouf by Mystical Prince) stepped off nicely from 4 in the $19,000 Retravision M1 or better stand and settled in the breeze until the 2100m when a forward move from another runner resulted in him being one out one back. With 300m to go he made a move three wide and was quickly threatening the leaders. Despite a solid challenge on the outside, he fought on well to win by a nose in 2:00.6 over the 2503m stand, last three quarters very solid at 28.4, 28.8 and 29.1. Bred and owned by Elderbell Holdings, Glow Bright has done well in the stands and has now won $146,995 from 13 wins and 28 places.

Coming off a third at Albany and with a dropback in class, 8yo gelding Dredlock Rockstar (Northern Luck out of Maid For Life by Safely Kept) made the most of the opportunity. Starting from 3 he quickly got to the lead out of the barrier, then ran two even quarters. Travelling very well, he had more than a length on the field in the back straight. He bolted clear coming off the back and although they made ground on him in the straight, the win by Dredlock Rockstar in the $23,000 Garrards Horse & Hound Pace for M1 to M3 was never in doubt. Running 1:56 for the journey, the last quarters were quick at 28 and 28.1.

Bred by Royalstar Pty Ltd and with a change of ownership and trainer in September, the new team were a delighted bunch and rightly so, with Dredlock Rockstar taking his lifetime stakes to $188,635 (which included wins in the Parliamentarians Cup and second in the Mount Eden Sprint) from 16 wins and 30 places, with a very credible lifetime best of 1:53.9 set in April last year. Maid For Life, the dam of Dredlock Rockstar, is the dam of 4 other winners including Choccy Mac (Barnett Hanover) 1:55.7 10 wins $74,548 and is a full sister to Bank The Money 1:59.1, 31 wins and $152,969 in stakes.

Starting from barrier 8 in the McInerney Ford Westbred C1 to C4 Pace was not the best start for 5yo gelding Hindu Kumara (Kenneth J out of Summer Fun by In The Pocket) but some cool driving and early speed resulted in a perfect one out one back position after less than 200m. With the next two quarters even time the pace picked up in the third quarter. Taking off three wide with 600 to go, Hindu Kumara was almost a length in front by the 400m. Well clear coming into the home straight, Hindu Kumara went on to win by 11.4m in 1:57.1, last quarters 28.6 and 28.9. It was a dashing drive and an excellent run in this class. Bred by David Hayes, the win was the 7th for Hindu Kumara and followed a win at Bunbury 6 days earlier. Hindu Kumara has lifetime stakes of $36,399 (over $23,000 in this season) with a lifetime best of 1:56.9.

Hindu Kumara is the second winner from Summer Fun, her other winner being Funzova (Art Major) 1:56 8 wins $53,938. Summer Fun was the 14th foal from Summer Scene (Peyton), which makes her the third winner at Gloucester Park in a fortnight (after Frankie Dancer and Miltary Master) from this family.

PATIENCE DESERVES A REWARD

(17 February 2017) Tonight was a reward for patience for former SA leading trainer Garry Butler, who has also taken on the challenge of breeding. Well done Garry. There were two other good winners on the night that are proudly WA bred

Another good win, from a not so easy barrier, was welcomed by connections of 5yo gelding Machrihanish (Shadow Play out of Sauvage by Million To One) who stepped out in the Check in with Tabtouch Westbred Pace for C5 to C9 and won relatively easily by 7.9m in 1:57. Machrihanish was quickly out from 7 and settled in the breeze before accepting a mid race trail to be one out and one back. With the breeze horse hitting the front coming off the back the last time, Machrihanish simply followed until 300 to go when he moved out three wide and with some terrific acceleration, hit the front with 100 to go and went on to win by 7.9m, last quarters in 28.1 and 27.4. Bred and owned by G and L McLarty, the win took him to $91,201 from 12 wins and 14 places. He has an exceptionally good lifetime best mile rate of 1:53.8 set at Pinjarra in January 2016 and equalled at Bunbury in November 2016.

Machrihanish is the third foal and second winner from the lightly raced winner Sauvage. Her dam Patrice (Royal Band) was the dam of 7 winners from 8 foals including Turlington (Crouch) 2:02.1 $71,511. The granddam of Patrice was WA Broodmare of the Year Wilvetta, who produced 8 winners including prolific winners in the 60s in Coolup Way 2:02.4 $126,086 Placid Way 2:01.2 $146,588 and Each Way 2:01.2 $135,992, all by top stallion of the day Admiral Way (Stormyway). More recent notable winners include Machine Gun Bonnie (Fully Loaded) 1:57.4 10 wins $62,744 and Lindas Only (Armbro Operative) 1:56.9 17 wins $167,383.

It was an even better performance than last week from 5yo gelding Argyle Red (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Dekker Diamond by Iraklis) when he equalled his lifetime best of 1:55.8 in winning the $20,000 Tabradio Pace for M0 to M2 over the longer 2130m journey. Starting a short favourite from barrier 1, Argyle Red got away fast and settled quickly into the leaders role. With fairly even quarters, the pressure went on in the third quarter but Argyle Red kicked away and was well clear entering the straight, and raced away to win by 13.3m. Part owned and bred by Rob and Ann McDonald and trained by Rob, it has been an excellent season for Argyle Red with stakes of over $40,000 so far. His lifetime stakes are now $78,644 from 11 wins and 16 places.

6yo entire Letztorqueaboutyou (Courage Under Fire out of Walnut Hall by Whata Baron) stepped out in only his 6th lifetime start and rewarded breeder, part-owner and trainer Garry Butler with a win in the $18,500 Caduceus Club Pace for M0 class. In spite of his 9 barrier he was well favoured in the betting. Letztorqueaboutyou was restrained out of the barrier and settled last of the main field, which looked a very big task over the 1730m journey. With 1100 to go he followed a forward move three wide and with 400 to go he moved out 4 deep to make a run and was rapidly making ground on the leader. It was an excellent final quarter in 27.8, with Letztorqueaboutyou running to the lead and winning by 2.1m in 1:56. With such a short career Letztorqueaboutyou does not have a lot in the bank but no doubt will win a few more races if he stands up. He came a good 3rd at his previous run on 3 February and his previous run was a win at Gloucester Park 19 months earlier in July 2015.

Letztorqueaboutyou is the 7th foal and 7th winner from the race winning Walnut Hall 2:00.6 who was driven throughtout her South Australian career by Garry. Her other winners include Haulin Art (Peace Of Art) 1:56.6 and 11 time winner Globe Vauxall 2:00.2. Walnut Hall was brought to WA by Garry when he relocated from SA to WA and she has since produced a 2015 colt foal by Bettors Delight.This is a family with an abundance of winners but with many of the family members racing and breeding in South Australia they have not come under notice. The most prominent current performer from the female line is multiple Group 2 and 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter Bitobliss (Blissfull Hall) 1:51.8 24 wins $473,773.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT - AND THE BOYS WIN TOO

(10 February 2017) Good wins on the night for 5yo mare Foxy Dame in an open M1 to M3, 5yo mare Major Reality in an M0 and better and by 3yo filly Maczaffair in the $50,000 Daintys Daughter Classic were an excellent result and top class racing. To add to that there was a new Friday night winner, an improving 5yo and a horse returning from injury to reward their connections with the major reward.

With a nice win 3 weeks earlier, improving 5yo gelding Argyle Red (Dawn Ofa New Day out of Dekker Diamond by Iraklis) started second favourite from 4 on the front in the sprint 1730m C5 to C9. He settled quickly in the breeze although the field was a good 10m from the race leader. With the speed increasing with a lap to go, Argyle Red had moved to within a length and was steadily making ground. Coming out of the back straight he hit the front, then breaking clear in the straight he went on to to good win by 4.3m in a lifetime best of 1:55.8, last quarters 28.7 and 28.8. Bred and raced by Rob and Ann MacDonald and trained by Rob, Argyle Red has shown great improvement and has 10 wins and 16 places for just over $65,000 in stakes.

Argyle Red is the first foal and first winner from his dam Dekker Diamond (Iraklis) 1:57.9 8 wins $63,248 in stakes. Iraklis (Vance Hanover) 1:54.2, 22 wins and $1,019,042 was the winner of the 1996 Miracle Mile and is the sire of multiple group 1 and Victoria Cup winner Melpark Major 1:53.4 36 wins $979,056. Dekker Diamond belongs to a top NZ maternal family that has produced locally raced Mon Poppies (Safely Kept) 1:57.7 10 wins $88,350, Mon Lillies (Artesian) 1:54.7 9 wins $78,635 and multiple eastern states' winners.

After a long break through injury, 5yo entire Military Master (Bettors Delight out of Mabel Fox by Million To One) returned to racing with an excellent first up second, only caught on the line. This time and from a slightly worse barrier, he again started favourite and steamed over from 6 to have the leaders role coming into the straight the first time. Dropping the speed in the first two quarters he had plenty left in the tank and with last two quarters of 28.6 and 28 flat he won the Westbred C1 to C4 Pace by 3.1m in 1:59.5. The win took Military Master to just over $50,000 from 6 wins and 8 places from only 20 starts.

Bred and raced by Bob Fowler's Allwood Stud Farm, Military Master is the first winner from his dam Mabel Fox who had just one race start. Mabel Fox is out of the unraced Miss Jeffries (Albert Albert) who is a daughter of dual Australian Broodmare of the Year in Summer Honey (Romeo Hanover). Summer Honey produced 8 winners including Golden Nugget winner Flashing Star (Northern Lights) 1:56.8 23 wins $352,888, WA Pacing Cup winner Hilarion Star (Hilarion) 1:56.2 26 wins $398,394, WASBA Breeders Stakes and Empress Stakes winner Sassie Brassie (Hilarion) 1:57.4 17 wins $88,985. Sassie Brassie has also been a wonderful broodmare, producing 9 winners including The Dalmation (Northern Lights) 1:56.1 34 wins $108,821 listed and group winner Faking It (Fake Left) 1:56.9 17 wins $174,744 and group winner Iron Gloves (Safely Kept) 1:58.3 15 wins $102,912. Of course, Summer Honey is a daughter of Summer Scene (Peyton), the same maternal family as our next winner.

No sense wasting barrier 1 on a Friday night and 5yo gelding Frankie Dancer (Artistic Fella out of Myrtle Jean by Saab) certainly didnt for driver Chris Voak and owner Asha Vanmaris. Chris showed his intention to lead and Frankie Dancer settled in front. The pace slowed for a very leisurely first two quarters before quickening to 29 quarters. Frankie Dancer held off a concerted attack on the line to win by the shortest of margins but still the winner of the $18,000 M0. Bred by Graham Turner, this was the 4th win for Frankie, with 10 places for nearly $34,000 in stakes.

Frankie Dancer is the first winner from only 2 foals from the unraced Myrtle Jean, who was out of the nice winning race mare Point Of Order (Northern Lights) 1:57.9 $65,916 the winner of 12 races including the 1995 Breeders Stakes. Point Of Order is a half sister to Perfect Order (Perfect Art) 1:57.6 $143,071, Armbro Order (Armbro Operative) 1:58.3 $61,313 amd Guilty Grin 1:55.6 6 win $33,428. Point of Order is a granddaughter of Summer Scene (Peyton), as is Lombo Laredo (Classic Garry) 1:56.6 $151,712, Rigatoni (Brioso Hanover) 1:54.9 26 wins $181,679, Hilarion Star (Hilarion) 1:56.2 26 wins $398,394 and Flashing Star (Northern Lights) 1:56.8 23 wins $352,888. This is also the maternal family of Light Scotch (Light Brigade) and full sister Light Paree that has produced Ameretto (Million Dollar Cam) 17 wins 1:51.4 $238,973; Elysees Crest (Troublemaker) 1:59.3 23 wins $228,290; Lombo La Paree (Classic Garry) dam of Lombo La Fe Fe (Troublemaker)1:57.1 $654,493 and also belonging to this family is Smokey The Bandit (Jet Laag) 1:55.5 20 wins $285,763.

GOOD DRAWS GOOD ODDS GOOD WINNERS

(3 February 2017) Some more solid performances from our WA bred horses, this time all 4 or 5yos including one of the top locally sired juveniles. Going straight to the front, they were too hard to catch.